Having children can be one of the most fulfilling experiences of a person’s life. At the first signs of pregnancy, a celebration is called for in the family. However, in some rare cases and due to a variety of reasons, the pregnancy may be lost, resulting in a miscarriage. When a woman has two or more miscarriages, it is known as recurrent pregnancy loss.
This usually occurs when an embryo has an abnormal number of chromosomes. There is no way of predicting its occurrence as it is a genetic problem that happens by chance. However, certain medical conditions can increase the risk of miscarriage, such as antiphospholipid syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, diabetes mellitus, etc. The age of the woman is also a factor.
Dealing with such an experience can be extremely taxing. Not only are there physical and physiological implications, but also psychological distress. It is like the death of a loved one, and the disappointment is hard to overcome. Here are some ways to deal with the problem of recurrent pregnancy loss:
Medical solutions
- Try to find the cause of the recurring miscarriage. A complete physical exam is recommended, especially a pelvic exam. The immune system also needs to be tested.
- Find a suitable remedy for the condition. Your doctor would suggest methods to address the issue – which may include medication or corrective surgery.
- In the case of chromosomal translocation, in vitro fertilization (IVF) along with a genetic test called preimplantation genetic diagnosis can be done to select healthy embryos.
Psychological coping strategies
A more pressing concern is that of dealing with the loss itself. Couples feel anger and disappointment at having to go through this ordeal, and fear for the future. The grief is also very real, even if the family hasn’t actually met the unborn child. Then there is the punishing emotion called guilt, which engulfs both parents who feel like they’ve failed each other and their child. And then there is the utter helplessness of being unable to change any of these things. If you are going through something like this, here are some methods that might help you heal:
- oin a support group. Not only would it give you a better awareness and more perspectives, but it would also be comforting to just be in the presence of other people who actually know what you’re going through.
- Go to a therapist. They will not magically cure you, but they will allow you to look at it from a perspective that is less guilty and angry until the pain is slowly eased.
- Never hesitate to acknowledge your pregnancy in some way, perhaps in the form of a memory book, a diary, or creating a positive memory to remember your loss by.
- Educate yourself on recurrent pregnancy loss by reading more and interacting with medical professionals. Inform yourself about the healthcare system, ask more questions, and be proactive in your medical appointments.
If there is no particular cause found, about 65% of women end up having a successful pregnancy even after repeated miscarriages. So, take courage and make sure that you focus on yourself and your own health first. Also, ensure that you consult experienced doctors in this field. At Milann – The Fertility Centre, you will find some of the best healthcare professionals who can be trusted to provide the best medical support.
