What is it about ?
We talk about repeated miscarriages when at least three consecutive pregnancies end in a spontaneous miscarriage. In half of the cases, we cannot find the cause, and we consider that it is linked to chance. Even after three consecutive miscarriages, more than 6 in 10 women carry their next pregnancy to term.
The main causes are:
- Genetic and chromosomal abnormalities, in 5 out of 100 cases: the parents have a chromosomal abnormality. Chromosomes are the carriers of our hereditary characteristics. Some malformations prevent normal development. In an early miscarriage (before the 10th week of pregnancy), up to 60% of fetuses have a malformation of one or more chromosomes.
- Hormonal disorders and diseases that affect the metabolism, such as an underactive thyroid, poorly controlled diabetes or obesity.
- Malformations of the uterus, in 10 to 15 cases out of 100: it may be a congenital malformation or a fibroid that prevents implantation or development of the embryo or a malformation of the cervix .
- Bleeding disorder with increased risk of thrombosis, in 15 to 19 out of 100 cases.
- Infections do not play an important role in the occurrence of miscarriages.
Where and how often?
About 1 in 5 pregnancies end in miscarriage; For every 100 pregnant women, 5 miscarriages twice, and less than 3 miscarriages three or more.
In 3 out of 4 cases, the miscarriage happens before the 13thth week of pregnancy.
The risk increases with age: in women over 40, 1 in 3 pregnancies end in miscarriage.
What exams are needed?
After two miscarriages, tests are done to find the cause. The doctor does a thorough check-up on your age, your lifestyle, the illnesses you suffer from and the medications you take, illnesses in the family and other cases of miscarriages in the family, information about miscarriages previous exams, results of previous examinations and treatments …
The doctor also performs a general clinical examination; he measures your blood pressure, weighs you and performs a pelvic exam. Blood tests are also done: blood cells, sugar level, thyroid, coagulation, and, possibly, an analysis of the chromosomes of both parents.
In addition, you are referred to a gynecologist for further examination. During a new pregnancy, ultrasounds will be performed more often.
What can you do ?
Do not be discouraged too early: 6 to 7 times out of 10, the following pregnancies go to term.
A change in lifestyle can sometimes be justified. Stop smoking and be moderate in your alcohol consumption. Get enough physical exercise. If you are overweight, it is definitely worth trying to lose weight. If necessary, call a dietitian or a nutritionist. If you have diabetes, try to regulate your blood sugar as best as possible and follow your diet well. Ask if there are any women in your family who have had multiple miscarriages and if we know why. This information can be very helpful to the doctor.
What can the doctor do?
If no cause is found, the doctor will monitor your pregnancy closely. The development of the fetus is well followed by repeated ultrasounds.
If a cause is diagnosed, it will be treated first if possible. A good balance of diabetes and thyroid function is essential. If you have a bleeding disorder, you will be given blood thinners. Abnormalities of the uterus can often be treated with surgery.
Vitamins have no proven effect. Keep taking folic acid if you are trying to get pregnant again.
The pregnancy hormone (progesterone) is used in early miscarriages with no known cause, but it is not known if it can actually help.
Want to know more?
- Stop smoking. It’s possible – Tabacstop
- Alcohol, the point on your consumption – Stop or else?
- Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI)
- The food pyramid – Eat Move – Health Question
- Physical activity – Eat Move – Health question
Are you looking for more specialized help?
- Smoking Assistance Center (CAF®) – FARES – Respiratory Affections Fund
- Tobacco specialists – FARES – Respiratory Affections Fund
- Find a registered dietitian – Professional Union of French-speaking dieticians
- Find a nutritionist doctor – Belgian Society of Nutritionist Doctors
- Alcohol aid – Le Pélican & Le center ALFA
Source