Recurrent miscarriage

Recurrent miscarriage or recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is three or more consecutive pregnancy losses. In many cases the RPL can be treated successfully by Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal medicine. If any patients follow our protocols including Acupuncture treatments regularly, taking Chinese Herbal Medicine, most of our patients will bring babies home.

Causes

There are various causes for recurrent miscarriage, and most of the cases can be treated through our protocols. About 50-75% of cases of Recurrent Miscarriage are unexplained, which is Kidney Qi deficiency leading to weak reproductive organ and poor egg quality. In Oriental Medicine, most of reasons of recurrent miscarriage are due to Kidney Qi Deficiency, Kidney Essence Deficiency.

1. Anatomical conditions

Fifteen percent of women who have experienced three or more recurring miscarriages have some anatomical reason for the inability to complete the pregnancy. The structure of the uterus has an effect on the ability to carry a child to term. Anatomical differences are common and can be congenital.

2. Cervical condition

In the second trimester a weak cervix can become a recurrent problem. Such cervical incompetence leads to premature pregnancy loss resulting in miscarriages or preterm deliveries

3. Chromosomal disorder

Chromosomal disorders can result from changes in either the number or structure of the chromosomes. Changes in the number of chromosomes happen when there are more or fewer copies of a particular chromosome than usual. Changes in chromosome structure happen when the material in an individual chromosome is disrupted or rearranged in some way.

Changes in chromosome number
Usually, every cell in a person’s body contains 46 chromosomes. Sometimes, however, a baby is born with either too many or too few chromosomes. The baby, therefore, has too few or too many genes or instructions. One of the most common examples of a genetic condition caused because of an extra chromosome is Down syndrome. People with this condition have 47 chromosomes in their cells instead of 46. This is because there are three copies of chromosome number 21 instead of the usual two.

Changes in chromosome structure
Changes in chromosome structure happen when the material in an individual chromosome is broken and rearranged in some way. This may involve the addition or loss of chromosome material.

4. Endocrine disorders

Women with hypothyroidism are at increased risk for pregnancy losses. Unrecognized or poorly treated diabetes mellitus leads to increased miscarriages.

5. Blood clots

An important example is the possible increased risk of miscarriage in women with thrombophilia (propensity for blood clots). The most common problem is the factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A mutation. Some preliminary studies suggest that anticoagulant medication may improve the chances of carrying pregnancy to term. Note that many women with thrombophilia go through one or more pregnancies with no difficulties, while others may have pregnancy complications. Thrombophilia may explain up to 15% of recurrent miscarriage.

6. Immune factors

A common feature of immune factors in causing recurrent pregnancy loss appears to be a decreased maternal immune tolerance towards the fetus.

7. Antiphospholipid syndrome

The antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disease that is a common cause of recurrent pregnancy loss. Around 15% of the women who have recurrent miscarriages have high levels of antiphospholipid antibodies. Women who have had more than one miscarriage in the first trimester, or a miscarriage in the second trimester, may have their blood tested for antibodies, to determine if they have antiphospholipid syndrome. Women diagnosed with antiphospholid syndrome generally take aspirin or heparin.

8. Thyroid antibodies

Anti-thyroid autoantibodies are associated with an increased risk of recurrent miscarriage.

9. Luteal phase defect

The issue of a luteal phase defect is complex. The theory behind the concept suggests that an inadequate amount of progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum to maintain the early pregnancy. Assessment of this situation was traditionally carried out by an endometrial biopsy, however recent studies have not confirmed that such assessment is valid. Studies about the value of progesterone supplementation remain deficient, however, such supplementation is commonly carried out on an empirical basis.

Infection:

A number of maternal infections can lead to a single pregnancy loss, including listeriosis, toxoplasmosis, and certain viral infections (rubella, herpes simplex, measles, cytomegalo virus, coxsackie virus). However, there are no confirmed studies to suggest that specific infections will lead to recurrent pregnancy loss in humans. Malaria, syphilis and brucellosis can also cause recurrent miscarriage

Chronic endometritis:

Chronic Endometritis due to common bacteria has been found to be prevalent in some women with a history of recurrent miscarriage.