Understanding Karyotype Testing for Recurrent Miscarriage | Dr. Rappaport

Question
Hi Dr Rappaport,
               I wrote to you last in December after my 3 miscarriage. My progesterone was at a level of 3  and I was treated with Clomid. I just recently suffered my fourth miscarriage ( 3 total in a year and a half ) and now my OB is sending my husband and I for karotype blood work. What excactly is this test and what are the chances that it will help determine the cause of our miscarriages? I will be going to a miscarriage specialist when these test results come in . Also I will be seeing a endocronologist for suspect hypertyroid ( even though I am overweight ). Sorry so long of a question.  Thank you for your time .

Answer
A karyotype is an analysis of your chromosomal makeup for both you and your husband in order to see if you have any abnormal chromosomes or if there is any incompatability between your chromosomes and your husband's. It also will indicate if you have any illnesses due to chromosomes. As I mentioned before, the risk of miscarriage is 15-20% in every pregnancy. There is nothing you can do to cause a miscarriage and there is nothing you can do to prevent a miscarriage. If, on the other hand, you have a deficiency in progesterone, we usually give you supplemtal progesterone in order to maintain the pregnancy until the placenta makes enough progesterone to suffice. Sometimes, obesity can contribute to infertility and sometimes, thyroid disease will also prevent you from conceiving. You appear to be proceeding in the right direction. I doubt that the tests or consultation will give you an answer as to why you miscarried in the past, but it may reassure you if all tests prove normal.