Repeated miscarriage is having two or more miscarriages. After two miscarriages, thorough testing and evaluation is recommended.
Causes of miscarriage
- Abnormal chromosomes :
Majority of the miscarriages occur randomly when the embryo receives an abnormal number of chromosomes during fertilization. This type of genetic problem happens by chance. There is no medical condition that causes it. And the chance of this problem increases with age.
In some occasions one of the partners can have an abnormal chromosome while being perfectly healthy. When this chromosome is transferred through the egg or sperm, the embryo gets too much or too little genetic material, which leads to a miscarriage.
- Thyroid disease :
Problems with the thyroid gland like hypothyroidism & hyperthyroidism that are not treated can increase the risk of miscarriage.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Diabetes mellitus :
Diabetes, especially if the disease is poorly controlled, can increase the risk of pregnancy loss. Keeping blood sugar levels in the normal range before pregnancy and throughout pregnancy can decrease the risk
- Problems of the uterus :
Having fibroids or polyps (Non-cancerous growths of uterus) can cause miscarriages
Asherman syndrome – Adhesions and scarring in the uterus
Congenital problems in uterus like septate or bicornuate uterus, where the uterus is partially divided into two sections by a wall of tissue.
- Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) :
This autoimmune disorder that affects blood clotting can cause a variety of medical problems including miscarriages.
- No cause :
In a majority of women, no cause can be found for the miscarriage.
Tests and Treatment
To help find the cause of repeated miscarriages, your gynaecologist will ask about your medical history and past pregnancies. A complete physical exam, including a pelvic exam, may be done.
You may have blood tests to detect problems with the immune system. Testing may be done to help detect genetic causes of repeated miscarriages. Scans and other imaging may be considered to find out if a uterine problem is causing repeated miscarriages.
If a specific cause of your repeated miscarriages can be identified, you will be suggested a treatment that addresses the cause.
If there is a problem found in your uterus, you may need a surgery like a fibroid removal, polyp removal or a corrective septal resection.
If you have Antiphospholipid syndrome, you will be given blood thinning medications throughout your pregnancy and for a few weeks afterward. This treatment can increase the rates of successful pregnancy.