A miscarriage is a pregnancy failure that may occur as early as just a
few days into the pregnancy or as late as the mid-trimester.
The chance of miscarriage is more common than most people would think;
perhaps the reticence of most people to share their sorrow of a pregnancy
loss with friends and family has led to this popular misbelief. People often
resist telling even close friends about their pregnancy until they're sure
they are past the stage at which most miscarriages happen (which is the
first three months).
Even in the healthiest couples, miscarriages can occur. The chances of
a pregnancy failing depend a lot upon the woman's age. At 20 years of age,
there is just a 13% chance of miscarriage. At 45 that risk is over 50%.
The Sydney IVF Miscarriage Management program was set up to help couples
we feel to be at particularly high risk of suffering a miscarriage.
Some of these groups are:
- Couples who have had two, three or more consecutive miscarriages (known
as recurrent miscarriage)
- Couples who have had a period of infertility followed by a pregnancy
and miscarriage
- Couples who have had one or more cycles of IVF which have resulted in
miscarriage
If you feel you fall into one of these categories and would like to find
out more about the program, ask your Sydney IVF doctor or nurse co-ordinator
or visit our Miscarriage Management
program website.
Investigation
There are currently more than 40 tests to be performed during the investigation
phase. All of these tests can be completed within the span of one menstrual
cycle. Both partners are tested. Nearly two-thirds of our patients show
a result that suggests a course of action. For the others, we provide support
and monitoring through their next pregnancy.
Treatment
If a specific cause of miscarriage is found, treatment is undertaken before
or during the next pregnancy. Treatment may involve surgery, IVF, PGD, immune
system suppression and/or hormone treatments.
Monitoring
During the early stages of pregnancy, we closely monitor the baby's progress
with blood tests and ultrasounds.
Support
A vital part of the Miscarriage Management program is counselling. Miscarriages
are undoubtedly traumatic, and our experienced counsellors can help both
partners work through their feelings.
A cause for miscarriage can be found in up to two thirds of
cases where three miscarriages have occurred previously. About half of these
couples are able to have a successful pregnancy after suitable treatment.