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Having a miscarriage is devastating. Miscarriage is also known as pregnancy loss, that is the natural death of an embryo or fetus before 20 weeks.
What are the common causes of recurrent miscarriages?
- Anatomical Causes
When our body structure causes the miscarriage, it could be due to a misshaped uterus, incompetent cervix, large uterine fibroids or severe Asherman’s syndrome.
- Genetic Causes
Men and women above 35 have a greater chance of genetic defects in either the egg or the sperm.
- Blood Clotting
Blood clotting in the uterus will cause the placenta to be cut off, leaving the foetus to be void of the oxygen and nutrient supply it needs to survive.
- High Homocysteine Levels
High homocysteine levels are harmful because it can cause hypercoagulability that means your blood clots more easily than it should.
- Immunological Disorders
Immunological disorder is when the body attacks the fetus or sperm due to elevated natural killer cells or HLA incompatibility.
- Hormonal Imbalance
Low Progesterone
Progesterone preserves the uterine lining so the new embryo can attach and be nourished while the placenta is being formed. Low progesterone causes the uterine lining to shed and menstruation to begin.
High estrogen
High extrogen can be a cause of low progesterone
Elevated prolactin
Prolactin is a hormone in the body that is abundant during lactation. Too much prolactin will repress ovulation.
Insulin resistance (PCOS)
Insulin resistance causes greater hormonal imbalance in the bod by increasing blood sugar, testosterone and estrogen levels, while lowering progesterone levels. Diabees and heart disease may develop if insulin resistance is not addressed.
Thyroid disorders
Thyroid disorder can be a cause for infertility, recurrent miscarriage and second/third trimester loss.
Why did we wait in the past?
Many healthcare providers in the past have encouraged women to wait at least 3 months to conceive again after a miscarriage. The reasons include:
- Short intervals between pregnancies may lead to increased risk of high blood pressure, membranes breaking too early, low birth weight and preterm delivery.
- It takes time for the uterus to recover and for the endometrial lining to strengthen.
- The couple may not be emotionally stable to handle another possible loss when trying for another baby. Therefore, time should be taken to ensure that the couple is mentally ready.
Why shouldn’t we wait anymore?
However, a recent study published online on Monday in Obstetrics & Gynecology suggests that women who try to conceive within 3 months may have a greater chance of a successful pregnancy than those who choose to wait for more than 3 months.
The research involved 1,083 women. Most of them had not experienced pregnancy complications like a tubal pregnancy or the growth of abnormal fetal tissue in the uterus.
Since the vast majority of these women had lost a pregnancy before 20 weeks and the depletion hypothesis (suggests that the woman will not have high enough levels of folate) do not apply to miscarriages before 20 weeks, the possible negative outcomes that could arise from getting pregnant after a live birth do not apply.
Furthermore, the researcher emphasized that speedy new pregnancy and birth of a living child lessens grief among couples that are suffering from a pregnancy loss.
That said, it is always advisable to consult your gynaecologist and make an informed decision.
What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you think a person who has suffered from a miscarriage should wait till after 3 months to try again?
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by Justine Ng
The nicest person on earth who doesn't mind being teased at simply because she is sporting and awesome. Warm, spontaneous and fun-loving, Justine believes that every day is an adventure! View all articles by Justine Ng.
