For couples on a fertility journey experiencing a Miscarriage is devastating. Whilst around 70% of couples who suffer a miscarriage go on to have healthy pregnancies, it’s not the case for all. Some couples  experience what is known as recurrent miscarriage. Whilst there are standard recurrent miscarriage tests, this does not always lead to answers and some couples spend many challenging years dealing with pregnancy loss without knowing why.

One of the primary reasons for miscarriage is because of chromosomal abnormalities in the foetus, which affects the growth and development resulting in miscarriage. Around 50% of miscarriages can be explained by chromosome abnormalities.

The issues is that because the majority of couples do go on to have a healthy pregnancy getting the investigations needed after a miscarriage can be hard, with many health professionals suggesting couples just ‘try again’ This approach for many leads to further emotional and physical challenges if another miscarriage is suffered. 

At present the NHS guidelines state that couples must have had three consecutive miscarriages before they are referred for the recurrent miscarriage tests. This can be very frustrating for couples who want to understand why they are experiencing multiple losses. Some of  tests offered by the NHS include Screening for blood clotting disorders and for structural issues within the uterus.

 In cases of recurrent pregnancy loss, more complex factors often come into play. Genetic testing, called karyotyping, is offered to parents who have experienced two or more miscarriages. Karyotyping involves testing the chromosomes of both partners to identify any potential abnormalities that could lead to pregnancy loss. However, many couples with recurrent miscarriages may find that the test results do not reveal a specific cause, and they are left without answers.

At our clinic At Source Acupuncture, we believe that earlier testing, after two miscarriages, could provide crucial insights and faster solutions. Offering timely testing and intervention could help to reduce the number of recurrent miscarriages and support couples in their journey to achieve a healthy pregnancy sooner.

For some couples, the standard recurrent miscarriage tests may not reveal a clear cause. In these cases, it’s important to explore other potential contributing factors to miscarriage, such as hormonal imbalances, infections, sperm health, and immune system dysfunction During consultations at our fertility acupuncture clinic, we investigate various aspects of both partners’ health and fertility history to explore potential factors that may be contributing to recurrent pregnancy loss.

Here are some areas we focus on during these consultations:

Low Progesterone Levels

Progesterone is a critical hormone that supports the early stages of pregnancy by maintaining the uterine lining and facilitating embryo implantation. Low levels of progesterone can result in a weak uterine lining, leading to an inability to sustain a pregnancy. Testing progesterone levels during the luteal phase (after ovulation) of the menstrual cycle can reveal whether hormone supplementation is needed to support a healthy pregnancy. 

Infection and Vaginal Microbiome Health

Infections within the reproductive tract, such as bacterial vaginosis, can disrupt the vaginal microbiome and affect pregnancy outcomes. The balance of bacteria in the vaginal environment is crucial for preventing infections and creating a healthy environment for implantation. Infections and microbial imbalances may not be detected during routine testing but can play a role in recurrent miscarriages. Screening for infections and ensuring a healthy microbiome can be a vital step in reducing miscarriage risk.

Sperm DNA Fragmentation

While much of the focus in miscarriage investigations tends to be on the woman’s health, the quality of sperm also plays a crucial role in successful pregnancies. Sperm DNA fragmentation refers to breaks or damage in the genetic material within the sperm, which can lead to problems in embryo development. Testing for sperm DNA fragmentation may provide insights into whether sperm health is contributing to miscarriages, and strategies such as lifestyle changes or specific supplements can improve sperm quality.

Reproductive Immunology Testing

Another area that has gained attention in recent years is reproductive immunology, which focuses on how the immune system interacts with pregnancy. In some cases, the immune system may mistakenly attack the embryo, leading to miscarriage. Testing for immune-related issues, such as elevated natural killer (NK) cells, can reveal whether the immune system is playing a role in recurrent miscarriages. Treatments like immunosuppressive therapies may be considered for couples with abnormal immune responses during pregnancy.

Experiencing multiple miscarriages can be emotionally devastating, and the wait for answers can feel endless. By advocating for earlier intervention and exploring a broader range of tests, couples may be able to identify and address underlying issues sooner, reducing the likelihood of further miscarriages.

At our fertility acupuncture clinic, we believe in taking a proactive approach to reproductive health and supporting couples with tailored care. During consultations, our practitioners, like Anna, delve deeply into your health history, asking detailed questions about your menstrual cycle, hormone levels, lifestyle factors, and previous pregnancies to build a comprehensive picture of your fertility. By doing so, we can recommend tests that go beyond the standard karyotyping and explore other potential causes of miscarriage.

Miscarriage is a heart-wrenching experience that many couples face, but with earlier intervention and a more holistic approach to testing, it is possible to identify potential causes and support a healthy pregnancy. While chromosomal abnormalities are responsible for many miscarriages, couples experiencing recurrent losses may benefit from exploring hormonal imbalances, infections, sperm health, and immune issues.

At our clinic, At Source Acupuncture, we are dedicated to helping couples on their fertility journey by providing compassionate, individualised care and advocating for earlier testing after two miscarriages, rather than waiting for the third. By doing so, we hope to empower couples with the information and resources they need to achieve the healthy pregnancy they’ve been dreaming of.

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