QuestionDoctor, I have suffered two consecutive missed spontaneous abortions at approx 7 weeks. I was on complete bed rest and progesterone during my second time.
Could I conceive again (what are the odds?) and what should I do to avoid this unfortunate event from happening again?
Many thanks
AnswerHello Priya from India,
Miscarriages usually occur from a spontaneous abnormality of the developing embryo. In other words, when the egg (one cell) divides in order to create an embryo, if it makes a mistake, that abnormality will propagate and the embryo will not survive in most cases. These types of spontaneous abnormalities/chromosomal defects, are not usually hereditary and do not continue indefinitely. The majority of women (85%) will eventually be successful. At this point, I would not do anything different. Bedrest does not help. Age has a significant impact on miscarriages. The older you are, especially after 35 years old, the higher your chances of miscarriage.
I would recommend adding low dose aspirin (81 mg) per day to your regimen. If you suffer a third miscarriage, then you need to undergo evaluation for recurrent miscarriages, including genetic testing of you and your husband.
In most cases, having a miscarriage is a good thing because it is the body's way of stopping an abnormal pregnancy and fetus from continuing. I don't think you would want an abnormal baby would you? Keep trying. You will eventually be successful.
Sincerely,
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 facebook and twitter with me at @montereybayivf
