Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

It is defined as three or more pregnancies ending in miscarriage before the 20th week of pregnancy. A miscarriage can be seen once in 10-40% of women. However, the probability of three or more successive miscarriages occurs on average in one of 1 women. This situation can cause distress for both the couples and the physician who undertakes the treatment of the patient.
Although recurrent pregnancy loss is defined as 3 or more loss in classical knowledge, 2 consecutive pregnancy losses, miscarriages in the second period of pregnancy are sufficient to start a diagnostic investigation.

Causes of recurrent pregnancy loss

The causes of recurrent pregnancy loss can be classified under 6 groups;
• Genetic disorders in the mother and/or father-to-be
• Structural disorders related to the mother's womb
• Causes related to blood clotting
• Hormonal causes
• Systemic diseases in the mother
• Causes related to the immune system

What tests are used to investigate the causes of miscarriages?

It is especially important to evaluate uterine deformities, TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), FCC (Fasting blood sugar), infectious diseases, some coagulation disorders, and genetic analyzes of the prospective parents.

What can be done in treatment? Is bed rest beneficial?

Although it is important to do the research carefully, since the treatment is directed to the cause, no cause can be found in 50% of the patients. When the cause of pregnancy loss is determined with the above-mentioned tests, treatment will be much easier. It is important to control the situation by hysteroscopy surgery for patients with uterine deformities, low molecular weight heparin treatment for those with coagulation problems, and consultation with the internal medicine doctor for those with thyroid and diabetes problems. In particular, in the case of genetic anomaly detection, the patient must be informed about in vitro fertilization and genetic counseling, otherwise it will not be possible for the couple to have children by normal means. On the other hand, patients who have experienced more than one miscarriage prefer to have bed rest in their next pregnancies in order not to endanger the pregnancy. However, studies show that bed rest does not reduce pregnancy losses. For this reason, instead of advising patients to stay in bed for a long time, they can be offered a less stressful period by suggesting that their activities be restricted.