Recurrent pregnancy loss testing provides answers to our patients
Women who are trying to conceive without results hope for just one thing: a positive pregnancy test. Unfortunately, some women get pregnant, only to lose the pregnancy to miscarriage. In certain cases, women experience repeated miscarriage, meaning two or more pregnancy losses. When this occurs, our Nashville fertility doctors generally recommend recurrent pregnancy loss testing.
Defining recurrent pregnancy loss
Approximately 10% to 20% of pregnancies result in miscarriage, defined as a loss of pregnancy before week 20. Generally, pregnancy loss is random and does not indicate any cause for concern.
The term recurrent pregnancy loss is used for patients who have suffered two or more miscarriages. With repeated miscarriage, it makes sense to explore recurrent pregnancy loss testing to identify any potential issues that could be causing a problem with staying pregnant.
The benefits of recurrent pregnancy loss testing
While one miscarriage isn’t alarming, repeated miscarriage may indicate an anatomical or hormonal issue that needs to be addressed. Recurrent pregnancy loss testing enables our team to pinpoint the issues preventing you from having a baby. Often, our Nashville fertility doctors can diagnose and treat the problems, so that you can carry a pregnancy to term.
Common causes of repeated miscarriage
While a pregnancy loss is a devastating event, recurrent miscarriage can feel like an end to your dreams for motherhood. In general, recurrent pregnancy loss occurs because of abnormalities that disrupt the normal gestational process.
- Maternal age. As women age, the quality and quantity of their eggs decline, which increases the risk of genetic abnormalities in a pregnancy.
- Anatomical issues. Physical irregularities, such as a uterine septum, fibroids and endometriosis, can make it more difficult to carry a pregnancy to term.
- Untreated medical conditions. Diabetes, thyroid disease and clotting factor issues can contribute to repeated miscarriage.
- Unknown causes. If tests don’t reveal a specific problem, we often diagnose recurrent miscarriage for unknown causes.
How recurrent pregnancy loss testing works
When our Nashville fertility doctors begin recurrent pregnancy loss testing, they will start the process by taking a full medical history and reviewing your prior losses. Your physician will order specific blood tests designed to look for key concerns, and may also suggest a genetic evaluation of the potential parents’ chromosomes to look for any irregularities. A hysterosalpingogram (HSG), an X-ray of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes, is another part of the typical testing protocol.
Recurrent pregnancy loss can take a toll on your mental and physical wellbeing. At Nashville Fertility Center, our doctors will provide the compassionate care and medical expertise you desire. Contact our office for more information about recurrent pregnancy loss testing, or to schedule an appointment with our Nashville fertility doctors.
