Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Two to three consecutive pregnancy losses.

Recurrent First Trimester Pregnancy Loss

(under 12 weeks)

Pregnancy loss or miscarriage, unfortunately, is common in the first trimester.

The majority is due to chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo formation. This can happen without family history and can happen to any couple. Obviously increased maternal age will increase the risk.

Recurrent miscarriages in the first trimester, however, can be associated with various other problems, including

• blood disorders,
• immunological disorders,
• metabolic / endocrine disorders,
• pelvic pathology like endometriosis and
• uterine cavity abnormalities like adhesions, uterine septum and intrauterine fibroids

We test for the above and address as appropriate.

Recurrent Second Trimester Loss

(between 12-28 weeks)

Pregnancy Loss Due To Cervical Incompetence

This is inability of the cervix to hold the pregnancy until full term.

This can be treated with observation and Progesterone pessaries or Cervical cerclage (cervical suture)

If suture is agreed upon it is usually inserted around 12 -14 weeks under general or spinal anaesthetic in operating theatre. You will be going home the same day. 

The risks of the procedure would be : infection, bleeding and loss of pregnancy through inadvertent rupture of membranes. 

Other causes for second trimester losses are less common: infection, large fibroids, uterine abnormalities, genetic abnormalities running in the family, early placental disease etc.