Miscarriages can be incredibly tough to deal with, and unfortunately, they are not all that rare for couples trying to conceive. Many women will experience a miscarriage, particularly within the first trimester. However, recurrent miscarriages—which are defined as having two or more consecutive losses—are less common. If a woman has had three or more miscarriages, it may be time to look into fertility testing to understand the underlying reasons.
Your fertility clinic can provide a variety of tests to help identify the causes of these heartbreaking losses. By getting tested, your fertility specialist can formulate a tailored treatment plan that could help you achieve a healthy pregnancy and welcome a new family member into your life.
Types of Tests for Recurrent Miscarriages
Your fertility doctor will recommend specific tests based on your individual circumstances. Here’s a quick rundown of what you might expect:
Blood Tests
Blood tests can be really helpful in pinpointing potential causes of miscarriage. They can provide insights into levels of important proteins, progesterone, and thyroid hormones that are crucial for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Additionally, blood tests can help identify other health issues, such as pelvic inflammatory disease or antiphospholipid syndrome, which might increase the risk of miscarriage.
Genetic Screening (PGS/PGT-A)
Most miscarriages happen due to chromosomal abnormalities—think of it as a random mix-up in the chromosomes of the embryos. Sometimes, a parent may have genetic variations that lead to these issues. If recurrent miscarriages are a concern, genetic screening (PGS/PGT-A) can help determine if any such variations exist. This test can also assist your fertility doctor in choosing the healthiest embryos for implantation, increasing your chances of a successful pregnancy.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound is a straightforward, non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to create images of your internal organs. A transvaginal ultrasound is commonly performed to evaluate the uterus for any abnormalities, like polyps or fibroids, that could be contributing to pregnancy loss. If any issues are found, many clinics can offer surgical options to address them.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
An HSG is a specialized test that looks at the uterus and female reproductive system for potential problems. Your doctor will inject dye into the uterus and take an X-ray to visualize the uterus and fallopian tubes. This test can reveal issues like a misshapen uterus or blockages in the fallopian tubes, which can be significant barriers to a successful pregnancy. If there are blockages, IVF might be an option to consider.
Hysteroscopy
If an HSG reveals abnormalities, a hysteroscopy might be the next step. This procedure involves inserting a thin telescope into the uterus for a more detailed look. Sometimes, minor issues can even be fixed during this procedure.
Endometrial Biopsy
As a final step, your doctor might suggest an endometrial biopsy to check for any irregularities in the uterine lining that could make it difficult for a pregnancy to be sustained. This can often be done alongside a hysteroscopy.
Finding Hope at Your Fertility Clinic
Despite the difficulties you may be facing, there is still hope for a successful outcome. Advances in assisted reproductive technology, including IVF, mean that women who have experienced recurrent miscarriages can still achieve pregnancy and give birth to a healthy child.
Your journey can start with the right support and information. For more insights, check out our other blog post on navigating iron nutrition. And if you’re looking for home insemination options, you might find useful tools at Make A Mom. For further information on pregnancy and home insemination, the CDC offers excellent resources.
In summary, if you’re dealing with recurrent miscarriages, it’s essential to consult with a fertility specialist who can guide you through testing options and potential treatments.