RECURRENT PREGNANCY LOSS

Miscarriages are common, and one or even two miscarriages are not in themselves indicative of future fertility. Many couples go on to have healthy children on their own after losing two pregnancies. If you have had two or more pregnancy losses you may want to look closely at possible reasons.

There are many causes, but they are usually divided into early and late miscarriages.

Recurrent early miscarriages (within the first trimester) are most commonly due to genetic or chromosomal problems of the fetus or structural problems of the uterus. *

pregnancy lossLate miscarriage can be the result of uterine abnormalities, autoimmune problems, and incompetent cervix or premature labor. Clotting abnormalities can also contribute to second or third trimester loss. A history of recurrent miscarriage can be evaluated by a reproductive endocrinologist. Tests on both the mother and the fetal tissue can help identify causes and include the following exams:

Anatomical testing – Sonography (ultrasound test) or HSG
Testing for auto-immune disorders
Thyroid Panel
Blood work for serum progesterone levels
Chromosome testing of fetal tissue
Blood clotting studies
Chromosome testing of parents
*Utah Fertility Center is offering a free genetic screening on Tuesday October 28. If you have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss and would like to sign up for the genetic testing, call us at 801-785-5100 or e-mail us at [email protected].