It’s an expecting couple’s worst nightmare: You have had a miscarriage.
About 12% of all known pregnancies end in miscarriage, and many more end before the woman even knows she’s pregnant. You’re likely wondering how you can help to prevent this from happening again, so you can give birth to a healthy baby.
Let’s talk about recurrent miscarriages, what you and your partner can do to help facilitate a healthy pregnancy, and where you can go in Syracuse for outstanding obstetric care.
What Are Recurrent Miscarriages?
You will be diagnosed with recurrent miscarriages if you have had three or more consecutive miscarriages. It is estimated that as many as 80% of miscarriages happen because of a fatal genetic problem with the fetus, and this usually has nothing to do with the parents at all.
What You Can Do to Prevent Another Miscarriage
One of the most important things you can do after suffering from multiple miscarriages is to investigate the possible cause. Other than genetic problems with the fetus, here are some other reasons you may be at high risk for miscarriages:
- Infections
- Underlying health issues
- Uterine abnormalities
- Cervical insufficiency
- Hormone issues
- Immune system response
- Being over the age of 35
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Using illicit drugs or overuse of prescription drugs
- Exposure to radiation or toxic substances
If any of the above mentioned issues describe you and you can do something about it, then a slight modification of your behavior can greatly increase your likelihood of a successful pregnancy. If you have an underlying medical condition, the first step is to get treatment for that to improve your chances of having a baby.
Here are some other things you can do to get healthy before your pregnancy:
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Avoid infections, or get professional treatment if you do have an infection
- Get regular exercise
- Cut back on caffeine
- Stop drinking alcohol, smoking, or using drugs
Testing After Recurrent Miscarriages
Your obstetrician may also complete some testing in order to determine the cause of your miscarriages. The OB/GYN may recommend one or more of these tests:
- Blood tests, such as hormonal levels
- Tissue tests from the fetus (if possible) to determine any genetic issues
- Chromosomal testing on both parents
- Hysteroscope to check for possible uterine abnormalities
- Hysterosalpingogram, which is an X-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes
Just because you have suffered recurrent miscarriages doesn’t mean you are having problems with fertility. Approximately 85% of women who have had a miscarriage have normal pregnancies ending in live births.
Due to the emotions and stress following a miscarriage, discuss with your obstetrician how long you should wait before attempting another pregnancy in order to have the best chance at success. It is ideal if you recover physically and emotionally before you try again. Some obstetricians will want you to wait for at least one menstrual cycle, while others prescribe holding off for at least three months.
Fertility Clinic in Syracuse, NY
The experienced physicians and staff at University OB/GYN Associates in Syracuse are experts in diagnosing and treating recurrent miscarriages. If you need anything from routine OB/GYN care to high-risk or specialty care, the medical team at University OB/GYN Associates wants to help you.
You deserve the best OB/GYN care for your health and that of your baby. Call (315) 464-5162 for questions or to schedule your appointment. We look forward to being your healthcare partner!
