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Most miscarriages occur because of chromosomal abnormalities that affect embryo development. About 10% of pregnancies in the United States end in a miscarriage, and many people go on to have healthy pregnancies following a miscarriage.
However, if you have repeated miscarriages you want to know why.
At CARE Fertility in Bedford and Fort Worth, Texas, our team understands the grief and sadness that comes with a miscarriage and how devastating it is when they happen multiple times. Like you, we want to know what’s causing you to miscarry.
About miscarriages
A miscarriage is the sudden ending of a pregnancy, usually during the first 20 weeks of gestation. They’re spontaneous and usually not something you can control.
It’s possible to have a miscarriage before you know you’re pregnant, occurring without causing obvious symptoms. Bleeding, for example, is the most common symptom and may be light or heavy and something you experience monthly during your period. You may also pass tissue and have severe menstrual-like pain.
If you think you’re having a miscarriage, call your OB/GYN right away. Spotting during the first trimester is serious, but it doesn’t always end in a miscarriage. Your OB/GYN may do an ultrasound and run bloodwork to determine if you miscarried.
Causes of miscarriage
A miscarriage may occur for any number of reasons. Sometimes, the cause is unknown. Some of the more common causes include:
Abnormal number of chromosomes
Chromosomes carry the genetic coding for growth and development and are found in every cell. When the egg and sperm join together at the time of fertilization, they each share one set of chromosomes.
The cells that make up the fertilized egg divide and multiply numerous times to develop the fetus. Having an odd number of chromosomes from the sperm or egg affects this process, leading to a miscarriage.
Chromosomal translocation
Chromosomal translocation is when a chromosome changes its location, without affecting chromosome number or genetic material. It’s possible to have chromosomal translocation and not have any noticeable signs or symptoms.
However, it can affect the chromosomes in an egg or sperm provided by the biological parent, causing an abnormal number that leads to repeated miscarriages.
Uterine irregularities
Any irregularities in the uterus may affect embryo implantation, leading to a miscarriage. The irregularity may occur from a disorder you have from birth or a gynecological condition like fibroids or polyps.
Underlying health condition
Diabetes, thyroid disease, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are health conditions linked to repeated miscarriage. People with autoimmune disorders may also have a higher risk of miscarriage. Infections can lead to pregnancy loss, too.
What’s important to know is that a miscarriage isn’t your fault. You didn’t miscarry from working too much or feeling stressed. Pregnancy loss isn't something you have much control over due to the potential causes.
Seeking expert help
If you have repeated miscarriages, it’s important to seek help to find the underlying cause. After a thorough history and physical exam, we run bloodwork to look for immunological and genetic problems, as well as imaging tests to check for structural abnormalities.
We can’t stop a miscarriage, but we can develop a plan that improves your chances of a successful pregnancy in the future. For couples with chromosomal translocation, we may recommend in vitro fertilization (IVF) with preimplantation genetic testing to select the healthiest embryos.
Having multiple miscarriages doesn’t mean you can’t have a family. We’ve helped thousands of people have babies, and we can help you, too. Call CARE Fertility today or request an appointment online.