Understanding Miscarriage

Miscarriage Explanation

Miscarriage is the spontaneous termination of a pregnancy before the 20th week, a common pregnancy complication. When two or more consecutive pregnancy losses occur, it's termed recurrent miscarriage.

Causes of Miscarriage

In about 50% of cases, the cause remains unknown. However, recognised factors contributing to miscarriage include:

Lifestyle risk factors like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Genetic abnormalities in the embryo, egg, or sperm.
Uterine irregularities, such as fibroids or polyps.
Blood clotting and immune disorders.

Hormone-related issues like thyroid disorders, diabetes, and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Sperm-related factors, such as elevated sperm DNA damage.

Factors Increasing Recurrent Miscarriage Risk:

Age over 35
Weight issues
A history of prior pregnancy loss

Diagnosis of Recurrent Miscarriage

Diagnosis begins with a patient history and physical examination, followed by various tests to identify underlying causes.

Treatment of Recurrent Miscarriage:

Treatment is tailored to address specific causes:

Genetic Counseling: For genetic factors, counseling informs about genetic abnormalities and future pregnancy prospects.
Surgical Intervention: Uterine abnormalities may necessitate surgery.
Medication: Miscarriages linked to conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders may be managed with medication.
Supportive Therapy: When no clear cause is found, supportive therapy enhances the chance of a successful future pregnancy.

Symtoms of Ovarian Cysts

Get in Touch With Dr Kevin Koh today

Miscarriage in the first trimester is a common occurrence. Even when pregnancy ends early, the emotional bond between a mother and her unborn child remains strong, and the accompanying sorrow can be overwhelming.

Dr. Kevin Koh has supported numerous women through miscarriages and understands the self-blame some experience. However, it's crucial to know that miscarriage is not their fault. Most first-trimester miscarriages result from chromosomal abnormalities that occur during conception or early cellular division.

For emotional support, the Pink Elephant Miscarriage Support Network website at https://miscarriagesupport.org.au offers valuable resources and reassurance that others have shared similar experiences. Miscarriage can strain relationships, especially when the partner is also distressed.

Please get in contact with our team if you have any questions or would like to discuss this further using our contact page.