Pregnancy Issues

Miscarriage is the natural or spontaneous end of a pregnancy at a stage where the embryo or the fetus is incapable of surviving, generally defined at a gestation of prior to 20 weeks. Miscarriage is a common complication of pregnancy, and may occur in one of six clinical pregnancies. Many more miscarriages may occur before a woman even knows she is pregnant. A majority of these preclinical miscarriages are due to a random chromosome error.

When experiencing a miscarriage, patients may struggle with feelings of depression, loss, grief and anger. Fertility Specialists of Houston knows psychological support can help their patients cope with the emotional issues they may have to deal with.

Fertility Specialists of Houston offers their patients support services including; classes, individual counseling and support groups. By taking advantage of these services, patients can get help with alleviating the feelings of isolation and provide meaningful connections with other patients who are experiencing the same emotional issues.

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Traditionally, recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) is the loss of two or more pregnancies at any gestational age. Almost one percent of women suffer RPL. An example of RPL is when a couple might have a pregnancy history of a six week miscarriage, successful pregnancy, and then another miscarriage at eight weeks of gestation.

Recurrent Miscarriage

Traditionally, recurrent miscarriage is when a woman experiences three or more miscarriages in a row. But today experts recommend a medical evaluation after two recurrent miscarriages. Nearly one to two percent of women suffer recurrent miscarriage.

Probable Causes of Recurrent Miscarriage

Abnormal Uterine Cavity

• Septums, polyps, "fibroids", adhesions
• Diagnosed by hysterosalpingogram, sonohysterogram, or hysteroscopy
• Treated by surgery (outpatient usually)

Abnormal Chromosomes of Parents

• Can lead to pregnancies with abnormal genetic make-up
• Diagnose by blood test of parents for chromosome make-up

Abnormal Immune System

• Inappropriate regulation of immune system compromising growth of pregnancy and placenta
• Diagnosed by blood tests for antiphospholipid antibodies (including anticardiolipin and lupus anticoagulant)
• Treated with low-dose aspirin and heparin

Abnormal Regulation of Blood Clotting

• Genetic abnormalities in the blood clotting system can contribute to miscarriage and pregnancy complications
• Diagnosed by blood tests for several genetic abnormalities

Abnormal Uterine Lining

• Inadequate development of lining of uterus after ovulation
• Diagnosed by endometrial biopsy showing lagging development
• Treated by progesterone supplementation or clomiphene citrate

Abnormal Uterine Lining

• Risk of genetically impaired eggs increases with age
• Diagnosed by chronological age and hormone tests of "ovarian age"
• No specific treatment
• Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) can decrease the incidence of miscarriages

Exposure to Toxins

• Tobacco, radiation, smoking, excess caffeine or alcohol

Chronic Diseases

• Thyroid, diabetes, kidney or liver failure, other

Probable Causes of Recurrent Miscarriage

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

• Women with this disorder may have an increased risk or recurrent miscarriage
• Diagnosed by clinical history +/- hormonal blood tests

Uterine Infections

• Urealplasma, mycoplasma, chlamydia

Elevated prolactin level

* The site is not a replacement for professional medical opinion, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical doctor or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment. Do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information written on this site. No health information on this website should be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor.