What is Recurrent Pregnancy Loss?
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL), also known as recurrent miscarriage, is defined as three or more consecutive pregnancy losses before the 20th week of gestation.
Understandably, it’s a distressing and emotionally taxing experience for the women and couples involved. Unfortunately, this condition affects approximately 2% of couples trying to conceive – and can cause a lot of confusion and pain.
This is why it’s so essential to seek support from qualified healthcare providers, if you experience recurrent pregnancy loss. With the right support and medical care, many couples go on to have successful pregnancies. Remember, you are not alone, and there is hope for the future.
What Causes Recurrent Pregnancy Loss?
Unfortunately recurrent pregnancy loss is rarely straight forward, and because of that, the cause of your condition can be multifactorial. Some of the common causes include the following:
Genetic Factors: Chromosomal abnormalities in either partner can contribute to recurrent miscarriages.
Anatomical Factors: Uterine abnormalities, like a septate uterus, can increase the risk of miscarriage. A septate uterus is a standard shaped uterus that has an additional wall of tissue creating two cavities. It’s fairly common for women to not even realize they have a septate uterus, until a situation like RPL arises.
Hormonal Imbalances: Disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid dysfunction can affect hormone levels, leading to recurrent miscarriages.
Lifestyle Factors: Factors like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and advanced maternal age can also contribute to recurrent pregnancy loss.
What Are The Treatment Options Available For Recurrent Pregnancy Loss?
The treatment for recurrent pregnancy loss depends entirely on a range of unique factors – such as the underlying cause, the number of miscarriages, the age of the mother and many more. This is why it’s critical to seek out medical care, to best develop a plan for you to move forward with growing your family. Some of the treatment options available may include the following:
Lifestyle Modifications: Making healthy lifestyle choices, such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight, can improve pregnancy outcomes.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): In vitro fertilization (IVF) with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) may be considered for couples with recurrent miscarriages due to chromosomal abnormalities.
Egg or Sperm Donation: In cases of severe male factor infertility or genetic abnormalities, using donor eggs or sperm may be considered to improve the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Supportive Care: Psychological support, counseling, and support groups can play a crucial role in helping individuals and couples cope with the emotional impact of recurrent pregnancy loss.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
What’s the most common cause of recurrent miscarriage?
The most commonly identified causes for miscarriage include uterine problems, hormonal disorders, and genetic abnormalities.
Can I successfully carry a pregnancy to term if I’ve had multiple miscarriages?
Absolutely. It’s strongly recommended that you seek medical care from a qualified fertility specialist, to help ensure both yours and the baby’s health, but with proper treatment and monitoring – pregnancy is possible.
