Repeated abortions

When there is a history of 2 or more miscarriages consecutively, it is called repeated abortion. It is seen in about 3% of women attempting to conceive.

Some common questions related to recurrent miscarriage include:

• What are the causes of recurrent abortion?
  The most common cause is genetic abnormality in the embryo. The risk of genetically abnormal embryo increases with age.
  The other common conditions include:
  
  • Uterine abnormality- congenital malformation in the uterus such as uterine septa, fibroid or polyp in the uterus or adhesions in the uterine cavity.
  • Immunological conditions- The most frequent abnormality is antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. Abortions occur due to abnormal clotting of blood.
  • Chronic diseases in the mother- Diabetes mellitus, uncontrolled hypertension, Renal disease, thyroid disorder
  • Occasionally PCOS may cause repeated miscarriage.
• What are the tests done for repeated miscarriage?
  
  • Evaluation begins with a thorough medical history and pelvic examination.
  • Uterus is evaluated with an ultrasound scan, MRI or hysteroscopy.
  • Genetic abnormalities in the male and female partner needs to be tested for. If any transmissible chromosomal abnormality is detected, IVF with preimplantation genetic testing of the embryo is preferred.
  • Other blood tests to rule out immunological conditions and other medical conditions are done.
• What if all tests are normal?
  If all tests are normal, the chance of having a live birth in the subsequent pregnancy is 65 in 100 women. So do not loose hope.
• Is treatment available for any abnormality detected during testing?
  Yes, your doctor will treat the condition depending on the abnormality detected. Correction of blood sugar, BP, thyroid condition or antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is possible with medication.
  Corrective surgery for abnormality in uterus can be done in case of septate uterus, fibroid uterus, polyp or adhesions inside the uterus.
• Which doctor is best for Recurrent miscarriage treatment?
  Dr Sneha J is a Gynecologist and best fertility specialist. She has completed MD OBG from the top university AIIMS , Delhi and University fellowship in Fertility/ Reproductive medicine. She had further training in dealing with these conditions, as a visiting fellow at high output centres in Madrid, Spain and Chicago,USA. A gynaecologist experienced in treatment of these conditions is best for PCOD/PCOS treatment.