Miscarriage: Will it Happen Again?
If you suffer one miscarriage, do you have an increased chance of losing another baby in pregnancy?
Suffering a miscarriage is never easy to get over and can leave couples afraid of trying again because they fear a further tragedy. But what is the chance of suffering a second miscarriage?
What are the chances of miscarriage?
Generally, the chances of miscarriage across all women – including first-time pregnancies – is that one in six new pregnancies will end in miscarriage within the first six weeks, with the chances dropping off slightly up to 12 weeks, and dropping off dramatically beyond 12 weeks, to just one in every 100 pregnancies ending in late miscarriage.
Am I more likely to have another miscarriage if I have suffered one already?
If you have suffered a miscarriage before, there is an 80 per cent chance that your next pregnancy will be successful, so that is a one in five chance that you will suffer another miscarriage.
If you have suffered two miscarriages previously, you will have around 72 per cent chance of enjoying a successful pregnancy, but if you have had three or more miscarriages, the chances of having a successful pregnancy do drop to around 50 per cent or less.
Should we try again?
Couples react in different ways after losing a baby in pregnancy. Sometimes one partner may feel ready to try again and the other will be reluctant. Understandably, it's important to talk to each other about how you feel, your fears and your hopes. Sometimes it's easy to have this conversation quite soon after your miscarriage, but if it doesn't feel right, be patient with each other.
If you go to our forums you will see many women who take a positive stance and are keen to try again, seeing this loss as something that should be a reason to stay positive rather than opting to stop trying to conceive. However, the choice is very personal.
For more about what you should consider and how long to leave trying for a baby if you do want to try again, go to Trying Again After Miscarriage.
What if there is a physical reason for our miscarriages?
There are some medical conditions which couples are not aware they have, which could cause repeat miscarriage. Some of these can be addressed, but other factors such as your age may also play a part in the increased risk of repeat miscarriage.
Until you have suffered three miscarriages, a doctor is unlikely to investigate any medical reasons for why you are not carrying a baby to full-term. However, it is important to note that only one percent of all couples are at risk of suffering recurrent miscarriages (that is: at least three consecutive miscarriages).
Discuss this story
I have had 3 MCs in a row, the Dr's and Consultants have told me that because of my age (39) and the fact that I have had 3 MCs already, I basically have a 50/50 chance of ever having a successful pregnancy. I guess I have to give it a try, I hope with every part of my body that things WILL be ok next time. I was wondering, if there is anyone on the site who has had 3 MCs or more in a row and has had a successful pregnancy afterwards? I know everyone is different, but I'm just looking for a bit of re-assureance. Meema xx
Posted: 17/02/2009 14:09
Hi meema. I personally have not had any MC's but have heard many stories from women who've had much more MC's and problems on top of that. So i'm pretty sure some one will come along and reassure you but i wanted to just let you know that it's possible because i've heard successfull stories that make me hopeful for people in your state. Hugs and don't ever stop, your little angel will come.
Posted: 17/02/2009 16:01
Hi Karen, I am under going tests at the moment. I had 7 lots of blood taken in Jan, they tested for loads of things including 'Hughes Syndrome', which is the blood clotting problem you mentioned. The results all came back normal. I am now waiting for the next 2 lots of tests to come back, hubby and I are being tested for Chromosome defects (that was another 2 lots of blood) and I had to go back when AF arrived, they took another 2 lots of blood to test my ovaries and the quality of my eggs. It'l be 2 and half weeks till we get all the rest of the results back. The Consultant said that he expected everything to come back normal. I have had an internal scan, and apart from a fibroid high up in my uterus (which is apparently fine and not a problem) and the fact that my uterus tilts backwards, all is ok in there. They said it could just be 'bad luck'. I have been very stressed during all 3 of my pg's so that could be a factor. I was 22 when I lost the 1st one and was really stressed. I wanted the baby, I got pg without telling my fiance, he went mad and wanted me to get rid of the baby. But I wouldn't, I cried nearly every day! Then I lost the baby at 13wks. When I was pg the 2nd time, I was worried that it would happen again and at just 6wks it did. So as you can imagine 3rd time around I was terrified, and at 8wks my fears came true. I am going to try and stay calm and think positive. I was so happy last time but scared, so next time I have to trust that all will be OK and smile!! 7 babies WOW that's amazing!! I'll be happy with one  Thanks for your message Meema xxxx
Posted: 19/02/2009 11:30
oh meema - my heart is with you girlie!!!!! i do hope that they manage to find something that they can sort out for you, the "just bad luck" or "unexplained infertility (used for me!)" does your head in!!! Forgot to mention, we had fertility treatment to get pregnant with my 2nd husbands children, the boys i conceived naturally with my first hub, then couldnt get pregnant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i cried so much, so i know where you are at!!! also there is hope for you still you see??! i had 8 more pregnancies after, all the girls are conceived using clomid, boys i seem to get for free!! LOL this pregnancy is a non clomid one, so i will have to wait and see. I also have a retroverted usterus (tilts back) so its not uncommon, so does one of my best friends, she has two boys now too!!! hopefully they will get you sorted, again all the very best of luck and lots of baby glue for next pregnancy!!!!!!!! hugs xxxxxxxxxxxx
Posted: 19/02/2009 21:47
Hi Karen, Thanks hun (((hugs)))) I hope things will be ok next time around. I'm not sure how I'll cope if I have another MC. I think it will destroy me completely. Best wishes for your pg, how far along are you? xxxxxxx
Posted: 20/02/2009 08:37
Hi Meema, I am the same as you i too have had 3 miscarriages in a row all in the same year. Ive had all the normal blood tests that they offer and they have come up with nothing, its just so frustrating i would rather they found something so i could do something about it. This all happended in 2007 so its taken me a good year to totally get my head round. I was an emotional reck after the 3rd one and now it worries me a bit that we have not fallen pregnant since so now im paranoid that i can't even get pregnant again!! The stresses of being a woman!! hopefully we will get our wish shortly as the doctors have found no reason why we can't, good luck for the future x.
Posted: 20/02/2009 15:56
|
Share your photos with other ThinkBaby mum...
|
