The atmosphere in the office was heavy with sorrow as we experienced the heartbreak of two patients facing miscarriages today. The first patient, Sarah, had conceived after her initial IVF attempt but learned that her baby, which had been developing slowly, had stopped growing altogether. The second patient, Emily, had finally conceived twins following several unsuccessful IVF cycles, making this her last chance. Tragically, both of her fetuses had also ceased development, despite everything seeming perfect just two weeks prior.
Spontaneous miscarriages are unfortunately a common occurrence in early pregnancies, impacting about 20% of clinical pregnancies—those where a sac is visible in the uterus. If we factor in biochemical pregnancies, which are very early losses detected through hormone levels before any structures can be seen, the rate of loss increases to approximately 25%. Generally, the likelihood of miscarriage decreases as the pregnancy progresses.
Why Do Miscarriages Happen?
A natural question arises: “Why did this happen?” Often, there is no definitive answer for the loss of a pregnancy. Most miscarriages occur due to factors beyond the couple’s control. However, there are some manageable risk factors, such as smoking, excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption, and morbid obesity. Other uncontrollable factors include advanced maternal age, prior miscarriage history, anatomical issues, and genetic abnormalities in the fetus.
While there are no medical interventions available to prevent a first-trimester miscarriage, monitoring the pregnancy hormone BhCG levels early on can provide some reassurance. Later in the pregnancy, a vaginal ultrasound can confirm that the fetus is growing normally. Fortunately, after one miscarriage, there is more than an 80% chance that the following pregnancy will be successful.
If you’re interested in learning more about pregnancy loss, check out this informative piece from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which covers treating infertility. And if you’re curious about what to expect during a transvaginal ultrasound, you can find helpful insights in one of our other blog posts. For those considering at-home insemination, the Impregnator from Make A Mom is a reliable option.
In summary, while the emotional toll of miscarriages is profound, understanding their prevalence and potential causes can offer some comfort. It’s crucial to seek support and resources during this challenging time.