Understanding Recurrent Miscarriage After a Full-Term Pregnancy

Question
I am in my early 30s (living in the western U.S).  My first pregnancy occurred in 2009 after a year of trying.  At 16 weeks, I learned the baby had died, but I had no symptoms.  Consequently I underwent a D&C and all testing showed no defects in the fetus.  After 3 normal cycles, I conceived a full-term baby born in 2010.  Six months after, I conceived again and lost the baby at 12 weeks.  I then lost 3 more babies at 12 weeks, 16 weeks, and 7 weeks (after waiting at least one normal cycle to conceive).  All but the final baby required D&Cs because I had no symptoms of loss.  My last baby miscarried normally and I passed the tissue.  I am trying to conceive again and my doctor has no input as to what has gone wrong because the tests are not finding abnormalities in my children and I have carried a child to term without any fertility assistance.  Any ideas where to go from here?  Let me know if you need additional information.

Answer
Hello Cheryl from the U.S. (Utah),

You now are classified as having a problem called "recurrent pregnancy loss" and there is a full evaluation that goes with that.  Without reviewing your medical records, there is no way to know if all the testing was done or what may be going on.  I would have to do a formal consultation for that which can be done via telephone, Skype or Email but not via this format.  This format is for quicker questions and answers.

Considering your losses were so late in the pregnancy, I hope that each was checked for genetic abnormalities?  That is the most common cause.

Good Luck,

Dr. Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com

Monterey, California, U.S.A.

for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf.  Skype and internet comprehensive consultations now available via my website for those who want a more extensive evaluation that this site can accommodate