Our New Braunfels fertility doctor offers treatment for recurrent miscarriage
TFC offers treatment for recurrent miscarriage because we know that losing a baby is a heartbreaking experience. Many patients are not aware that miscarriage is very common. In fact, it happens in about 15% of pregnancies in young women. By the age of 40, the miscarriage rate increases to about 40%. However, treatment with our New Braunfels fertility doctor can provide hope and new options for pregnancy success.
What is recurrent miscarriage?
Recurrent miscarriage is defined as the loss of two or more pregnancies. The most common reason for a miscarriage is a genetic abnormality caused by an abnormal egg. However, women with recurrent miscarriage may have other reasons for recurrent pregnancy loss.
• Hormonal imbalance
• Autoimmune problem
• Genetic abnormality in one or both parents
• Uterine issue
A look at treatment for recurrent miscarriage
The treatment for recurrent miscarriage depends on the cause of the miscarriages.
Genetics is one cause. As women age, it is increasingly common to have a pregnancy with a genetic abnormality due to mistakes that happen when the fertilized egg (embryo) is dividing. This can also happen in young women. In 1 out of 20 couples with recurrent pregnancy loss, one of the partners has a chromosomal abnormality that significantly increases the risk of creating abnormal embryos.
Genetically abnormal embryos generally don’t implant. Those that do typically end in miscarriage. The options for treatment of recurrent miscarriage may include expectant management and the use of IVF with PGT (preimplantation genetic testing).
Another cause is hormonal or thyroid issues. The most common thyroid dysfunction related to recurrent miscarriage is hypothyroidism. Our New Braunfels fertility doctor can diagnose this condition with a simple blood test called TSH. Patients with a deficiency in thyroid hormone can receive supplementation to normalize thyroid levels.
High prolactin levels can also increase the risk of miscarriage. Prolactin is a hormone that normally helps women produce breast milk. A simple blood test can diagnose high prolactin levels. If your bloodwork reveals elevated prolactin, our New Braunfels fertility doctor may recommend further imaging and treatment to reduce the prolactin level.
Certain autoimmune conditions can cause abnormal blood clotting, which can lead to recurrent miscarriage. If bloodwork indicates an autoimmune problem, treatment may involve the use of blood thinners like low-dose aspirin or Lovenox.
If the uterus has a physical abnormality, miscarriage may be more likely. Examples of uterine factors that can lead to miscarriage include polyps, fibroids and scar tissue. Testing for these abnormalities may include a water ultrasound or hysterosalpingogram (HSG). Treatment may involve a surgical procedure to correct the uterine abnormality.
Get treatment for recurrent miscarriage
If you’re ready to explore treatment for recurrent miscarriage, contact us to schedule an appointment with our New Braunfels fertility doctor. We are committed to helping you bring home a healthy baby.