A miscarriage can take a heavy toll on a woman - both mentally and physically. If you're planning to conceive again after miscarrying, or you've just found out that you're pregnant again, it is only natural to worry. However, knowing the facts about miscarriage could help you to come to terms with what has happened, and prepare yourself for a healthy and successful pregnancy this time around.
What are the chances of a further miscarriage?
For most women, a miscarriage is a one-off event with no underlying, long-term issues to blame. Sadly, around five percent of women go on to have another miscarriage, and around one percent will have three miscarriages in a row. The cause of a one-off miscarriage often remains a mystery, but if you've lost several babies, some further investigation into the root causes will be necessary.
What tests might be carried out after a miscarriage?
If you have suffered one miscarriage, the chances are that your doctor will tell you to wait a few months before trying again. While the World Health Organisation recommends waiting for six months before conceiving after a miscarriage, many women go on to have a completely healthy pregnancy far sooner than that. If you have had two or more miscarriages in quick succession, however, a series of tests and specialist maternity care might be necessary.
By seeking private pregnancy care from The Portland Hospital, you will be able to undergo relatively quick testing for a number of issues that might be the root cause of your previous miscarriages. You will undergo blood testing in order to rule out problems with your hormone levels and immune system. Both you and your partner may also be asked to submit to chromosomal testing.
If the cause of your last miscarriage can't be linked to conception, there might be a problem with your uterus. A doctor might order one of the following tests to determine whether or not uterine issues are the cause of your last miscarriage.
Ultrasound - A small device will send sound waves into your abdomen and measure the responses. This will produce a detailed image of your uterus and the surrounding structures.
Sonohysterogram - This is a type of ultrasound scan that requires fluid to be injected into your uterus through your cervix.
Hysterosalpingography - A dye is used to make certain parts of your uterus show up more clearly on an X-ray image.
Hysteroscopy - A small camera with a light is inserted into your uterus through your cervix. Saline is then injected into the uterus, which expands it and makes a full examination possible.
Can anything be done to prevent another miscarriage this time around?
If you are eating healthily, looking after yourself and abstaining from tobacco and alcohol, the chances are there is very little else you can do to decrease your risk of miscarrying again. You might need to go for more regular scans, blood tests and blood pressure readings, which is why looking for affordable private pregnancy care in advance might be a good idea.
What you shouldn't do is worry about something that is unlikely to happen. It is believed that around one in five confirmed pregnancies end in miscarriage, and in the majority of cases, those miscarriages occur in the first trimester. However, this number could be higher, as many women suffer miscarriages so early in their pregnancy they never experience any symptoms of being pregnant - and remain oblivious.
Unfortunately, very little is known about why seemingly random miscarriages happen. But worrying could increase your stress levels - and your blood pressure. Share your concerns with your doctor, your partner or your close friends and family. Try antenatal exercises that might help to relax you, and make sure you attend all your antenatal appointments. And remember: miscarriages are common, and they are rarely a sign of underlying, long-term health issues.
What are the chances of a further miscarriage?
For most women, a miscarriage is a one-off event with no underlying, long-term issues to blame. Sadly, around five percent of women go on to have another miscarriage, and around one percent will have three miscarriages in a row. The cause of a one-off miscarriage often remains a mystery, but if you've lost several babies, some further investigation into the root causes will be necessary.
What tests might be carried out after a miscarriage?
If you have suffered one miscarriage, the chances are that your doctor will tell you to wait a few months before trying again. While the World Health Organisation recommends waiting for six months before conceiving after a miscarriage, many women go on to have a completely healthy pregnancy far sooner than that. If you have had two or more miscarriages in quick succession, however, a series of tests and specialist maternity care might be necessary.
By seeking private pregnancy care from The Portland Hospital, you will be able to undergo relatively quick testing for a number of issues that might be the root cause of your previous miscarriages. You will undergo blood testing in order to rule out problems with your hormone levels and immune system. Both you and your partner may also be asked to submit to chromosomal testing.
If the cause of your last miscarriage can't be linked to conception, there might be a problem with your uterus. A doctor might order one of the following tests to determine whether or not uterine issues are the cause of your last miscarriage.
Ultrasound - A small device will send sound waves into your abdomen and measure the responses. This will produce a detailed image of your uterus and the surrounding structures.
Sonohysterogram - This is a type of ultrasound scan that requires fluid to be injected into your uterus through your cervix.
Hysterosalpingography - A dye is used to make certain parts of your uterus show up more clearly on an X-ray image.
Hysteroscopy - A small camera with a light is inserted into your uterus through your cervix. Saline is then injected into the uterus, which expands it and makes a full examination possible.
Can anything be done to prevent another miscarriage this time around?
If you are eating healthily, looking after yourself and abstaining from tobacco and alcohol, the chances are there is very little else you can do to decrease your risk of miscarrying again. You might need to go for more regular scans, blood tests and blood pressure readings, which is why looking for affordable private pregnancy care in advance might be a good idea.
What you shouldn't do is worry about something that is unlikely to happen. It is believed that around one in five confirmed pregnancies end in miscarriage, and in the majority of cases, those miscarriages occur in the first trimester. However, this number could be higher, as many women suffer miscarriages so early in their pregnancy they never experience any symptoms of being pregnant - and remain oblivious.
Unfortunately, very little is known about why seemingly random miscarriages happen. But worrying could increase your stress levels - and your blood pressure. Share your concerns with your doctor, your partner or your close friends and family. Try antenatal exercises that might help to relax you, and make sure you attend all your antenatal appointments. And remember: miscarriages are common, and they are rarely a sign of underlying, long-term health issues.
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