Talking About Miscarriage

Miscarriage is a difficult subject to talk about. It is such an emotional time that many parents would rather to curl up and be away from the world than talk about their experience. But it’s important to know that miscarriages happen often, to all sorts of people. About 10-25 percent of pregnancies result in miscarriages, and it’s a very important for couples to understand they are not alone. Recognizing that miscarriages are common isn’t easy when  you’re going through one; however, with compassion and understanding we at Viera Fertility Center can start this conversation and help bring you hope and confidence you need to try again.  

What Is Miscarriage?

When pregnancy is lost before 20 weeks, it is commonly referred to as a miscarriage. When this happens painful emotions set in because you have been getting excited about your new addition. Perhaps you’ve told your friends and family, you may have even started a registry, and are choosing paint colors for a nursery. The loss of pregnancy can be a harsh blow to take. Full of questions, grief and guilt.

Miscarriages happen for many reasons, the most common being chromosomal abnormalities. This means that there was something wrong with either the sperm or egg, or abnormalities occurred while the the zygote cells were splitting.  Other factors can include: Maternal health – including infections, chronic illness, or hormonal issues, unsuccessful implantation to the uterine wall, trauma, age, and factors such as smoking, drug use and exposure to toxic chemicals or radiation. In most cases there is nothing that you could have done to prevent a miscarriage. And, that is what often causes the most pain.

How Common Are Miscarriages?

Experiencing fertility issues can make couples feel isolated and alone. This is one of the many reasons why so few seek help. However, many couples experience these pains and, sadly, it is part of the process of becoming parents. Every cycle healthy couples under the age of 35, with no reproductive issues, have a 25 percent chance of conceiving a child. Of those conceptions, between 10 and 25 percent will end in miscarriage. When you add factors like increased maternal and paternal age and other fertility barriers the instances of miscarriage are increased.

Recurrent Miscarriages

While miscarriages are devastating, they are fairly common. What is not common is recurrent miscarriages. Recurrent miscarriages are characterized as the loss of two or more pregnancies in succession. If two or more of your pregnancies have ended in miscarriage, calling Viera Fertility Clinic can help you understand what is happening, and hopefully put you on a path to a successful pregnancy.

Why Do Recurrent Miscarriages Happen?

Chromosomal abnormalities are often the reason for recurrent miscarriages. Often one of the two parents exhibit chromosomal translocation and pass these abnormal chromosomes to their offspring, which always results in miscarriage. The second leading cause of recurrent miscarriages are physical issues with the uterus. Obstructions like fibroids, polyps, cysts, or scarring can result in recurrent miscarriage. As can a condition called seperate uterus which is a congenital birth defect where the uterus is divided into two buy tissue. Other causes can be an autoimmune disorder, diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, or abnormal thyroid function. If you have suffered from recurrent miscarriages and are seeking a solution, at our Viera, Florida clinic we are able to provide thorough testing to discover the root of your problem. This includes a thorough medical history, complete physical and pelvic examination with an ultrasound, blood tests and imaging study to search for any and all issues. After  these tests  we will  hopefully be able to provide you with either medical or surgical treatment options that will enable you to become parents.

Miscarriages are a common occurrence for couples attempting to build the family of their dreams. It is important that we as a community talk about this devastating event  to provide encouragement for couples dealing with miscarriage. Knowing that they are not alone and that there are things they can  do to improve their chances of a successful pregnancy is important. Do not be ashamed to talk about miscarriage or to discuss it with your doctor. If you have any questions about miscarriages and would like to seek help, please call our office today. We cannot wait to help you on your journey to a family.