Causes of recurrent miscarriage (Abortus Habitualis), how to overcome it?

Miscarriage is a risk that can occur during pregnancy. In fact, some pregnant women can experience recurrent miscarriage. Find out what causes recurrent miscarriage so you can take preventive steps. Miscarriage can be referred to as recurrent miscarriage when it occurs 2 or more times in a row. This problem can arise due to a number of conditions, ranging from lifestyle to some health problems. If you have experienced a miscarriage, don't despair. There are a number of precautions you can take to prevent recurrent miscarriage.

Some Factors causing Recurrent Miscarriage
The causes of recurrent miscarriage can be divided into abnormalities in the fetus or abnormalities on the mother's side. Chromosomal or genetic abnormalities can interfere with fetal development, including fetal death, which can cause recurrent miscarriages, especially during early pregnancy. In addition to chromosomal abnormalities there are several other contributing factors such as the following:
1.Hormonal problems: Certain hormones in the body can cause imbalances in the uterine environment and affect the ability of the fetus to develop properly.
2.Uterine disorders: Many abnormalities of the uterus, such as the uterine septum (an abnormal barrier in the uterus) or myoma (a benign tumor) can be risk factors for miscarriage.
3.Immunity problems: An overactive immune system may recognize the fetus as foreign and reject it, leading to recurrent miscarriages.
4.Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, or exposure to harmful substances may increase the risk of miscarriage.

How to Avoid Recurrent Miscarriage
Recurrent miscarriage can be a very difficult experience for both a woman and her husband. However, there are steps you can take to prevent recurrent miscarriages and increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. Here are some tips to prevent them:
1.Consult an obstetrician
The first important step is to visit a gynecologist. Sharing your history of reproductive diseases and thoroughly examining your health will help the doctor to determine the cause of the disease and recommend appropriate treatment.
2.Blood test
Blood test results are used to determine the presence of abnormalities such as APS and chromosomal abnormalities. In APS, a healthy pregnancy can be achieved by performing blood tests and special health checks with the administration of blood thinning medications and special supervision. Meanwhile, in cases of recurrent miscarriages where genetic abnormalities are suspected, your doctor may advise you and your partner to undergo DNA testing or genetic testing.

3.Ultrasound examination
The doctor may also perform an image examination or scan (ultrasound) of the uterus to rule out the possibility of recurrent miscarriage. If during the examination the doctor finds the shape of the uterus is abnormal, he/she will advise action.
4.Adopt a healthy lifestyle
Even if your doctor already knows the cause of your illness, you need to take care of your health by adopting a healthy lifestyle to prevent recurrent miscarriages. For example, taking multivitamins, increasing nutrition during pregnancy, limiting caffeinated drinks, and focusing on self-care.

 

Reference:

Pillarisety, L.S. & Gupta, N. NCBI Bookshelf (2020). Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.

UCLA Health. Diakses pada 2024. Recurrent pregnancy loss.