Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Who Should Seek Treatment for Recurrent Miscarriages?

Any couple who has suffered a miscarriage may have a definable and treatable cause for pregnancy loss. However, pregnancy loss is a common event occurring in up to 30% of all pregnancies. The decision to pursue a workup for pregnancy loss therefore becomes an individual one based on the couple’s age, the number of miscarriages they have had, a family history of recurrent miscarriages, or known risk factor for recurrent pregnancy loss. Usually an evaluation is started after two pregnancy losses.

Causes of Pregnancy Loss

The causes of pregnancy loss can be divided into chromosomal, anatomic, immunologic, infectious, hormonal, clotting, environmental, and unknown.

If one or both of the prospective parents carry a chromosomal abnormality, this may be passed on to a developing fetus and cause pregnancy loss. These abnormalities will not show up in the parents and are only diagnosed by examination of their blood with a test called a karyotype. Typically these chromosomal abnormalities are called translocations. While not correctable, diagnosis of a translocation in one or both prospective parents will allow for genetic counseling and accurate assessment of the chances of having a successful pregnancy. It should be pointed out that a history of having a successful pregnancy with a normal child does not eliminate the chance of a parent having a translocation.

The anatomic causes of pregnancy loss include abnormalities of the uterus and cervix. If the uterus contains a septum (or wall) within its cavity, then implantation of an embryo will be difficult and pregnancy loss will likely result. In addition, uterine fibroids or scarring from a previous surgical procedure may cause pregnancy loss. These conditions are amenable to surgical correction with a dramatic increase in the likelihood of carrying a pregnancy.

Immunologic causes of pregnancy loss include the presence of certain antibodies (proteins that fight off cells) which are seen in women with rheumatologic disease, i.e. lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The role of these factors in pregnancy loss is somewhat controversial, but there is evidence that treatment with low dose aspirin, heparin, or steroids may improve pregnancy outcome in women with these antibodies.

Certain cervical and uterine infections may increase the likelihood of pregnancy loss. These are easily diagnosed with a uterine culture and easily treated with oral antibiotics.

In addition, some patients may have hormonal abnormalities that result in pregnancy loss. A luteal phase defect is diagnosed when a low progesterone may contribute to pregnancy loss. To make the diagnosis of a luteal phase defect progesterone levels or a biopsy of the endometrium may be performed.

Clotting disorders can attribute to an increased risk for pregnancy loss. These are tested for with routine blood work.

Environmental issues may attribute to an increased risk of pregnancy loss. These include exposure to chemicals, xrays, radiation or smoking.

Evaluation

The workup for recurrent pregnancy loss occurs in a stepwise manner. One of the first tests is a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) or saline infusion sonography. This test involves imaging the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes by injecting the fluid through the cervix and into the uterus. The shape of the uterus is checked to ascertain that it is normal. 13% of women will have an abnormal shape to their uterus. Other tests include karyotypes, cervical cultures, and blood tests for the antibodies and clooting factors that are associated with pregnancy loss. In addition, some patients may have abnormalities in progesterone production which may contribute to pregnancy loss and therefore a biopsy of the endometrium may be performed.

Therapy

Of course the treatment of pregnancy loss will depend on the cause. Patients who have an anatomic cause such as a septum, fibroid, or scar inside the uterus are offered surgical correction. The vast majority of uterine abnormalities can be treated through the hysteroscope in an outpatient setting. As mentioned above, if a patient has a chromosomal abnormality, genetic counseling will be offered and the couple may elect for Preimplantation genetic diagnosis, donor sperm insemination or egg donation. If patients have autoimmune factors, therapy with heparin, aspirin, and/or steroids will be offered.

Outcome

In patients who have anatomic causes for pregnancy loss, surgical correction offers a vastly improved prognosis. For example, if a patient has a uterine septum, her chances of having a miscarriage without therapy is 70%. Once her septum is corrected however, her chance of miscarriage returns to that of the unaffected population. Heparin, aspirin, and steroid therapy for autoimmune factors has approximately a 60% likelihood in successful pregnancy outcome.

Suppose No Cause of Pregnancy Loss Can Be Determined

Approximately 50% of couples who have a history of two or more pregnancy losses will have no identifiable cause. Patients without a known cause of pregnancy loss have overall an excellent outcome.

Other Considerations

We realize that patients who have had a number of miscarriages are often under considerable stress. The disappointment of a single miscarriage can often be devastating. The disappointment of recurrent miscarriages can be overwhelming. Our Clinical Psychologists are available to counsel our patients on any and all emotional aspects related to pregnancy loss. Other resources in the community such as clergy, social worker, or psychiatrist may be helpful to you as well.