Loss of pregnancy at any time up to the time of 24th week of gestation, is a miscarriage. After this time, any loss of pregnancy is termed ‘stillbirth’. Most of the miscarriages occur before 13 weeks of gestation—known also as “early miscarriages”. Between 13 to 24 weeks, the miscarriage is called a ‘late miscarriage’.
What are recurrent miscarriages?
A miscarriage is termed recurrent, when more than three or more occur in a row. Anyone who has had recurrent miscarriages should be offered certain investigations to rule out more serious underlying problems. For women who lose the pregnancy in their 30s or 40s, these tests are offered early on by gynecologist in Lahore.
Testing is available only for late miscarriages; however, women who become pregnant at an older age, testing is also done for early miscarriages. Before you ask for testing, keep in mind that testing might not reveal anything, and even if it does, the cause might not be treatable. To avoid undue disappointment, know why you are going forth with the testing process.
Recurrent miscarriages could be a warning sign of what?
The chances for recurrent miscarriages run higher if:
Antiphospholipid syndrome:
Recurrent miscarriages could be a sign that you are suffering from antiphospholipid syndrome, also known as Hughes syndrome. In this disorder, there are abnormal antibodies in the blood that attack the fats called phospholipids in the blood. Thereafter the formation of these antibodies, the chances of blood clot formation are increased many folds.
It is unclear yet why these antibodies, and the subsequent blood clot cause miscarriages. It may be that they impede the flow of blood to the fetus through the placenta, or they could interfere with the proper embedding of the fetus into the wall of the uterus (endometrium).
The good news regarding this disorder, however, is that it is treatable, and through testing, it can be diagnosed properly and treated.
Factor V Leiden deficiency
Another blood disorder with recurrent miscarriages is factor V Leiden deficiency, in which there is a mutation of factor V, which subsequently leads the blood into a prothrombotic or pro-coagulant state.
Similar disorders include: gene mutation and protein S deficiency, along with factor II mutation.
Diabetes and thyroid disorders
Recurrent miscarriages could be a warning sign of uncontrolled diabetes or thyroid problems. It must be remembered, however, that well-controlled diabetes and thyroid problems do not cause miscarriages and these mothers can have safe pregnancies. So, if you are having recurrent late miscarriages, your doctor would recommend that you get an HbA1C to check for diabetes, and TSH levels to check for thyroid dysfunctions.
Infections
Some infections, especially those of genital tract can lead to miscarriages. These include: toxoplasmosis, listeria and rubella. Exactly what role these bugs play in miscarriages is not understood well.
If you have had recurrent miscarriages, reach out to Best Gynecologist in Lahore for more extensive workup and testing so the underlying cause can be treated. Your healthcare provider can also monitor you extensively throughout the duration of your pregnancy to ensure a safe delivery.
