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If you have had trouble with recurrent pregnancy loss/miscarriage, seek infertility testing and treatment with the specialists of IVF New Jersey.
- Somerset Office
- 81 Veronica Avenue
Somerset, NJ 08873 - map and directions
- Phone: 732-220-9060
- Fax: 732-545-1164
- Freehold Office
- 495 Iron Bridge Road
Suite 10 (2nd Floor)
Freehold, NJ 07728 - map and directions
- Phone: 732-577-6500
- Fax: 732-577-6510
- Lawrenceville Office
- 3100 Princeton Pike
Building 4
Third Floor, Suite I
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 - map and directions
- Phone: 609-799-5666
- Fax: 609-219-0742
- Annandale Office
- Concourse at Beaver Brook
1465 Route 31 South
Annandale, NJ 08801 - (Located in Additional Shops building, main entrance at the rear parking lot)
- map and directions
- Phone: 908-238-1220
- Fax: 908-238-1225
Infertility Treatment for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss/Miscarriage: IVF New Jersey
Early pregnancy loss, or miscarriage, occurs in approximately 15 percent of all pregnancies. The incidence increases with maternal age and can be as high as 50 percent by age 45. When more than two consecutive miscarriages occur, the condition is termed recurrent pregnancy loss. Often, a cause for repeated miscarriage can be identified at IVF New Jersey and infertility treatment sought either prior to or during a subsequent pregnancy. Therefore, it is important that a couple seek the care of a reproductive endocrinologist for infertility treatment prior to initiating another pregnancy.
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss/Miscarriage Causes
Approximately 70 percent of recurrent pregnancy loss/miscarriages are due to random genetic errors in the fetus. Normally, an embryo results from the union of a sperm and an egg (gametes). Both gametes contain 22 autosomes and one sex chromosome each, resulting in 46 total chromosomes when combined. When an extra chromosome exists, it is called a trisomy, and represents the largest group of genetic abnormalities resulting in recurrent pregnancy loss/miscarriages. When a chromosome is missing, it is termed monosomy. Monosomy X, also known as Turner's syndrome, represents the most common single genetic abnormality resulting in miscarriages.
Tissue collected from a miscarriage, either by the patient or during a dilation and curettage ("D and C"), can be sent for genetic analysis of the chromosomes. This is known as a karyotype. When a normal karyotype results, a genetic error cannot explain the pregnancy loss. It is therefore important to seek infertility treatment. At IVF New Jersey, our fertility specialists can search for other possible causes of miscarriage in order to prevent them from recurring in subsequent pregnancies.
The evaluation of recurrent pregnancy loss can be divided into four categories.
Genetic
If there is a genetic cause for the recurrent pregnancy loss/miscarriage, it means that the embryo is genetically abnormal as a result of a genetic defect in either one of the parents. A balanced translocation occurs when a portion of one chromosome has moved to a different chromosome (i.e., one chromosome has too much genetic information and one is lacking genetic information). Because there is a full complement of genetic material, the parent is completely normal. The problem arises when that parent tries to pass on this genetic information via their gametes (egg or sperm). If the chromosome pair is separated, the resulting gamete will either have too much or too little genetic material. The embryo created from that egg or sperm will most often result in a miscarriage. Testing for balanced translocations can be done by karyotyping both parents via a simple blood test. If you have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss/miscarriage and you are seeking infertility treatment, contact IVF New Jersey today.
Anatomic
Abnormalities in a woman's uterus can lead to an increased risk of recurrent pregnancy loss or miscarriage. These abnormalities can be present at birth and are known as congenital anomalies. There are also abnormalities that can present later in life, such as fibroids or uterine polyps. The uterus develops as two halves growing toward the midline where they fuse together. If one side fails to develop, then a unicornuate uterus exists. Only one fallopian tube is present and the uterus is significantly smaller than normal. If the two uterine halves fail to fuse in the midline, then a bicornuate or uterine didelphus exists. Lastly, if the fibrous tissue present at the fusion site of the two uterine halves fails to resorb, then a uterine septum exists. This leads to a less favorable site for implantation and a high risk of pregnancy loss/miscarriage. When fibroids or endometrial polyps are present within the uterine cavity, they can act as an intrauterine device in adversely affecting the implantation of an embryo. All of these anomalies are easily diagnosed when a woman seeks infertility treatment and receives a radiological procedure known as a hysterosalpingogram (HSG), where the course of radio-opaque dye is observed under fluoroscopic view. Once diagnosed, many of these abnormalities can then be corrected by a skilled reproductive surgeon using operative hysteroscopy. If you are interested in infertility testing and treatment for recurrent pregnancy loss/miscarriage, contact our infertility specialists in New Jersey.
Hormonal
Certain endocrinological disorders, such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hyperprolactinemia, and diabetes, when not adequately treated, can lead to increased risks of congenital anomalies in the fetus as well as a higher chance of recurrent pregnancy loss/miscarriage. It is important to diagnose and treat these disorders, often months prior to attempting to conceive. Occasionally, inadequate progesterone secretion can lead to a luteal phase defect. This can be diagnosed by either serum progesterone levels, or endometrial biopsy. Once diagnosed, patients may receive the infertility treatment of progesterone supplementation, or superovulation with Clomid®. For help with recurrent pregnancy loss/miscarriage in New Jersey, contact our infertility specialists.
Immunological Causes and Thrombophilias
There are certain conditions that make a woman more susceptible to forming blood clots. The most studied and proven immunological cause of recurrent pregnancy loss/miscarriage is antiphospholipid syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by the production of antibodies, which abnormally increase the formation of blood clots. These blood clots can then travel to the placenta and adversely affect placental perfusion. The use of both aspirin and heparin to reduce the ability to form blood clots is a common and often rewarding treatment of this condition. Other conditions collectively known as thrombophilias are inherited defects in coagulation often leading to a hypercoagulable state. These conditions are associated with a higher risk of early pregnancy loss/miscarriage. It is not known at this time if the use of blood thinners such as those used to treat antiphospholipid syndrome will benefit these women, but they may hold great promise with infertility treatment.
Couples suffering from recurrent pregnancy loss/miscarriage often feel frustrated and helpless from the repeated ups and downs of becoming pregnant and then experiencing a loss. Nevertheless, it is important to undergo a thorough investigation to rule out treatable causes. Fortunately, even if no treatable causes are uncovered, greater than 65 percent of pregnancies in women with recurrent pregnancy loss/miscarriage problems will result in a live birth.
If you have endured recurrent pregnancy loss/miscarriage, you may wish to seek out infertility testing and treatment. Contact the experts of IVF New Jersey.