Miscarriage isnt your fault an expert explains the science
Mother’s Day is a happy day for millions, but for those who have experienced a miscarriage, the day can be devastating. As many as one in four recognized pregnancies result in miscarriage.
Pregnancy loss can be mentally and physically taxing. Those who experience it often have feelings of sadness, anger, isolation and guilt. Often, they blame themselves for the loss, which may lead to feelings of hopelessness and depression.
I am a fellow in maternal-fetal medicine, and I have seen firsthand the emotional upheaval that many people experience after miscarriage. Caregivers and loved ones can help by understanding their feelings and helping them know that this loss was not their fault. I know that having honest dialogue about the incidence and cause of early pregnancy loss may foster a community of support and make the topic of pregnancy loss less taboo.
Why it’s not your fault
About 15% to 25% of all clinically recognized pregnancies result in pregnancy loss. Some miscarriages occur before a person is aware they’re pregnant, thus accounting for the wide variation in the incidence of pregnancy loss.
About 80% of all pregnancy losses occur within the first trimester and are often caused by having missing or extra chromosomes, called aneuploidy. Sporadic errors during chromosomal division and duplication cause aneuploidy. Many of the abnormal chromosomes are incompatible with life and result in miscarriage. These genetic errors are considered sporadic because they’re due to chance and weren’t passed down as an inheritable trait from the parents.
When an extra chromosome occurs, the result is called trisomy. The most common chromosomal abnormality found in first trimester loss is trisomy 16. The term trisomy 16 indicates that there are three copies of chromosome 16, instead of the normal two copies of the chromosome. This almost always results in pregnancy loss.
About 5% of pregnant people will experience two consecutive pregnancy losses, and 1% will experience three or more consecutive pregnancy losses. Consecutive pregnancy loss is known as recurrent pregnancy loss. Patients who experience this should discuss it with their obstetrician/gynecologist and schedule a clinical workup.
What doctors know about pregnancy loss
The cause of pregnancy loss is often beyond an individual’s control. It can be related to genetics, abnormalities in the uterus, autoimmunity, infections and metabolic disorders. Lifestyle choices, such as avoiding tobacco and drugs, are a few of the things that can lower the risk of miscarriage.
Miscarriages caused by uterine abnormalities happen most often in the second trimester. The most common malformation is when the uterus is divided by a fibrous or muscular membrane (called a septate uterus). Unless it was diagnosed by a doctor, a patient would not even know that they have this condition.
Septate uterus can be surgically corrected and improve pregnancy outcomes, but there are no known surgical corrective options for other types of abnormalities.
Clotting disorders and lifestyle
A clotting disorder known an antiphospholipid syndrome also is associated with pregnancy loss. This condition causes the placenta to develop and implant abnormally. About 5% to 20% of patients with recurrent pregnancy loss will be positive for antiphospholipid antibodies, but people are not routinely screened for this condition. If a patient has a history of recurrent pregnancy loss, however, they and their doctor should consider testing for this syndrome. Treatment with low-dose aspirin and heparin has been shown to improve live-born rate.
Everyone can and should do everything they can to take good care of themselves, pregnant or not. When pregnant, however, it is especially important to manage chronic diseases such as diabetes. Also, doctors who treat pregnant patients who smoke, drink alcohol or use other drugs can and should help them get treatment to help them stop. Ceasing the use of tobacco, alcohol and other substances has been associated with a decreased risk of miscarriage.
Grief and guilt abound
There is often a grief response associated with pregnancy loss. The psychological burden of miscarriage may negatively affect a couple’s relationship. Increased awareness and sensitivity to the issues associated with pregnancy loss are essential to eliminating the stigma some people experience. And, many feel guilty when they experience a miscarriage, which may compound the grief.
Having more open dialogue regarding pregnancy loss may reveal just how common miscarriage is. Fostering a community of support is important in helping people move through this difficult process. During this Mother’s Day celebration, let us celebrate those with living children and honor those who have had the unfortunate experience of pregnancy loss.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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