About Miscarriage
No matter you get pregnant naturally or through IVF treatment, there are still chances of miscarriage. In fact, the miscarriage probability is similar in IVF pregnancy and natural pregnancy. As majority of the women receiving IVF treatment are at their later age, miscarriage rate will seems to be high. At the age 30, around 20% of the pregnancy ends in miscarriage, the percentage increased to 50% when women get to the age 42. According to research and experience, here are the 9 ways to reduce the risk of miscarriage:
1. Genetic analysis of embryos after miscarriage
50% of the miscarriages are due to embryo genetic problems. Performing genetic analysis on the embryo after the miscarriage can detect if it contains any genetic abnormalities. If there are problems of the embryo’s genes, the pregnancy will be ended up miscarried disregard of the mother’s body’s condition.
2. Check the clotting gene
Women with positive clotting gene are at high risk of miscarriage. Excessive clotting may affect the embryonic blood flow, which may also cause miscarriage. Some blood problems can be checked through a blood test. Medication can be used to reduce the risk of miscarriage even if there is a problem.
3. Sperm DNA fragmentation rate
Study compared the sperm DNA fragmentation rate between couples with normal pregnancy and couples with recurrent miscarriages, suggested that the sperm DNA fragmentation rate of couples with recurrent miscarriages is 4 times higher than couples with normal pregnancy. There are many cases which the miscarriage was caused by high sperm DNA fragmentation and through the use of medication, sperm DNA fragmentation was improved and babies were born. Learn More
4. Check Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) level
Studies have shown that abnormal TSH level is related to miscarriage. Before starting IVF treatment or preparing to get pregnant, hormone levels will be checked through a blood test. Patients with abnormal TSH level can be treated using medication.
5. Uterine fibroid/polyps or endometritis
Any abnormalities in the uterus can affect embryo implantation or lead to miscarriage. Damages on the endometrial lining caused by uterine polyps/ fibroids and previous abortion surgeries are commonly found. Hysteroscopy is better than ultrasound scanning in identifying uterine problem and can correct the problem at the same time. Studies have shown that endometrial inflammation caused by bacterial/viral infections can increase the risk of miscarriages. The risk of miscarriages can reduce effectively by treating inflammation using suitable treatment.
6. Reproductive immunology
The risk of miscarriage increases if patients have immunological problems. Learn More
7. Use the most suitable progesterone
After starting IVF treatment, doctor will prescribe progesterone to patients in order to maintain their pregnancy. Progesterone comes in different forms including pills, gels and injections. For better effect, most patients use pessaries, as they absorbed better in the body. Intramuscular injection is the gold standard for progesterone support, but it requires patient to visit the clinic everyday for injections. Nausea is a common side effect of medication, and can lead to vomiting, which will affect patients’ progesterone intake or even result in miscarriage. By taking progesterone vaginally or through injections, nausea can be avoid, which can ensure the absorption of progesterone.
8. Have a healthy lifestyle before starting IVF or before getting pregnant
Start a healthier lifestyle before IVF treatment. Stop smoking and drinking alcohol, maintain a normal body weight and have a balanced diet. Avoid staying up late and lifting heavy things after getting pregnant.
9. Have you cervix checked
For an IVF treatment to be successful, any cervix problems should be treated before starting the treatment. Cervix problems such as incompetent cervix or abnormal shaped uterus, had cervix surgery previously, have experienced miscarriage at the later stage of pregnancy or premature birth are all risk factors, identify them and have a cervical stitch at the early stage of pregnancy can avoid unexpected cervix opening and reduce the risk of miscarriage.
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