This devastating condition is also known
as ‘Recurrent Pregnancy
Loss’ (RPL) and is associated with reproductive problems with
the parents, resulting in the loss of viable pregnancies. According
to scientists from the Monash Institute of Medical Research and Sydney's
St Vincent's Hospital, 5% of women will suffer two miscarriages or
more.
The recurrent miscarriage figures in NZ start from 3 miscarriages and
are defined as being after ‘3 or more early miscarriages
(before 13 weeks), not necessarily consecutive, but all pregnancies
must be by the same partner, or 2 late miscarriages (13 - 20 weeks)’ which
affects between 2%-3% of women. Only 1%-2% of these
women do not go on to have a family according to statistics from various
sources.
Even with a second miscarriage, it is not generally a precursor to
future problems and there is a 72% chance that a third pregnancy will
be fine. However, if you wish to take positive action, have some basic
diagnostic tests done and treated when possible. It could be helpful
and prevent further trauma, especially if the miscarriage is with the
same partner and you suspect that you or he suffer from one or more
of the listed ‘Why Miscarriages Happen’. You
may need to be persistent and ask around for a medical professional
who agrees. After three consecutive miscarriages, testing is essential
as chances of a normal pregnancy are only 43%.
In many cases of recurrent miscarriage, the reason is found; however
in around 50%, nothing is ever discovered as the definitive cause.
In one research study on this 50%, no specific treatment was offered
except asking participants to remove as many stress factors as possible
in their lives. How this was achieved is not described and the resulting
80% success rate is controversial. However individuals have their
own body rhythm, family history, stresses and circumstances. You may
wish to try this yourself by making changes and trying relaxing techniques
when possible. Miscarriage is also self correcting to some degree
with a spontaneous cure rate of 30%-50% so there is hope.
‘After my first miscarriage I was very upset, but picked up
the pieces reasonably quickly and began moving forward. After my third
I was less philosophical. I felt inadequate and a little panicky –
after all 3 is not “normal”. After my seventh I felt angry and cheated
out of my basic rights as a woman. I was in despair, and was coping
with the very real horror of never having the baby I felt I needed. I
mean ‘needed’ in the sense of oxygen or food – a baby was something
I couldn’t imagine living without. It was after this that my husband
and I completed the adoption education and assessment, and became approved. Leah (P.S. Leah later went on to successfully have twins.)
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