| Early pregnancy loss is the most common complication of human gestation, occurring in at least 75% of all women trying to become pregnant. Most healthy women do not need evaluation because of one or even two miscarriages. Approximately 80% to 90% of women with a single spontaneous abortion will deliver a viable live infant in the next pregnancy.
After a second pregnancy loss, couples want to know the risk of yet another loss and what they can do to ensure a successful pregnancy.
Such abortions are spontaneous expulsion of the fetus weighing 500 g or less, and about 20 to 22 weeks gestation.
When the incidence of such spontaneous abortions is more than 2 or 3 then they are referred to as Recurrent Pregnancy Loss or RPL. It’s management and treatment is multidisciplinary - involving gynecology, genetics, endocrinology, immunology and psychological.
The RPL Clinic at Life Care Centre provides all the required facilities for the management and treatment of recurrent pregnancy losses under one roof. |
What is an abortion?
Pregnancy loss occurring before 20 weeks (ie, 4.5 months) is called an abortion or a miscarriage.
What are recurrent abortions?
When 3 or more miscarriages occur consecutively, they are called recurrent abortions.
What is the risk of spontaneous abortion in any pregnancy?
15% is the risk, if there is no history of a previous abortion. However, the risk is increased if there are already more than one or more abortions. RPL affects 2% of women in the child bearing age.
When to consult a Gynecologist?
A Gynecologist can be consulted at any time. It is not essential to wait for the next pregnancy, as there are several investigations that are best performed in the non-pregnant state and appropriate treatment started. If already pregnant, do not delay your first visit to the Gynecologist. When you do so, remember to carry all previous records of prior pregnancies.
Why is it important to visit an RPL clinic as soon as possible?
It is important that immediate help should be sought. The Gynecologist will thoroughly evaluate your case, search for the cause and suggest treatment options so that your precious pregnancy continues till term.
What are the causes of recurrent abortions?
The various causes of recurrent abortions include:
- Chromosomal anomalies in both or either parent
- Hormonal disorders: Thyroid disorder, Diabetes, PCOS etc.
- Uterine structural defects
- Medical diseases of the mother
- Infections like TORCH, Genital Kochs etc.
Immunological disorders: 60%-70% of females in whom all the above causes are ruled out could have an underlying immunological deficiency, like APLA (Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome) or Alloimmune causes.
Will any test be required?
Depending upon what the doctor suspects certain tests may be prescribed like:
- Hematological investigations
- Ultra sound
- HSG
- Laparoscopy
- Hysteroscopy
What are the treatment options?
Depending upon the cause, the treatment may be medical, surgical or both. |
