Avoiding recurrent miscarriage

Pregnancy is a special, magical time that should be enjoyed. If, however, you've experienced a miscarriage in the past, your excitement at becoming pregnant again might be slightly overshadowed by fears that you will experience another miscarriage. This is only natural, but it's important that you don't let your previous experiences ruin this pregnancy for you.
 
The term 'recurrent' miscarriage refers to the loss of a foetus at least three times for women under 35 and two or more times in women who are aged 35 and above. If you have had a miscarriage in the past, it's likely that your doctor will book you in for an ultrasound scan and also arrange for you to see an obstetrician. Hopefully, this scan will put your mind at ease and can therefore be useful and beneficial.
 
Try to take comfort in the fact that, according to extensive research, just because you've had a miscarriage in the past, it doesn't mean it will happen again. Apparently, even if you've had several miscarriages, you have a good chance of having a happy, healthy pregnancy in the future. Statistically, 1 in 36 women will experience two miscarriages and this won't have anything to do with there being anything genetically wrong with them. You might be experiencing miscarriages for a variety of reasons; according to Ruth Bender Atik, National Director of The Miscarriage Association, 'Recurrent miscarriages can have a single (or combined) underlying cause or causes (such as antiphospholid syndrome, also known as sticky blood syndrome which is found in about 15 to 20% of women with recurrent miscarriage). However, they may happen for different reasons, such as chromosome abnormality. About half of couples investigated for recurrent miscarriage don't have a cause identified.' If you have suffered from repeated miscarriage, however, it's worth arranging a visit with your doctor so that you can have some tests done to check everything's alright. There may be a simple explanation as to why you've experienced one or more miscarriages. 

If you have experienced only one miscarriage, be reassured by the fact that the likelihood of you continuing to have further miscarriages is just 1%. Recurrent miscarriage is actually more common than you might think and it by no means suggests that you won't continue to have a healthy baby. In fact 60% of women who suffer from unexplained recurrent miscarriage will be able to have a successful pregnancy. If the cause of your recurrent miscarriage has been diagnosed, the likelihood of you having a healthy pregnancy in the future rises to 90%.

Although it can be difficult to prevent miscarriage, there are steps you can take to make sure that your pregnancy is as safe and healthy as possible.  These are much the same as those you'd follow to avoid a first miscarriage. For instance, it's advisable that you quit smoking, follow a healthy diet and cut alcohol and caffeine consumption down to a minimum.

If you've suffered several miscarriages and have been given the all-clear by your doctor, it's up to you when you try to conceive again. Some people will try for a baby immediately after they've recovered from the miscarriage, although it's suggested that you wait until you've had at least one period as otherwise you might be more likely to miscarry. Some people might need more time to come to terms with their loss, and this is completely understandable. It's really an individual choice and not one that anyone else can make for you.

Having one miscarriage is traumatic enough, so having several can be incredibly upsetting and emotionally draining.  It may therefore be a good idea to receive some counselling; you need to make sure that you're both mentally and physically prepared before you try for another baby. See our feature on Are we ready for a baby?

It's important that you try to stay positive. Although you might find it difficult to enjoy your pregnancy, try to relax as stress is counterproductive. Don't bottle up your emotions; remember, this pregnancy is different, so don't relate it to your previous experiences. As well as eating a healthy diet, make sure you're well-rested and that you take some gentle exercise, such as swimming, walking or pregnancy yoga. Talk through your feelings with your partner and/or health visitor, so that you feel well-informed and, hopefully, reassured.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.