Recurrent abortion

An abortion is usually a traumatic experience, more so if the failed pregnancy is the product of an infertility treatment. The satisfaction of positive pregnancy test is followed by frustration and sadness caused by the abortion (miscarriage). Fifteen to twenty per cent (15 – 20%) of all pregnancies end in abortion, 75% of which occur in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. 

 Common abortion causes

Genetic disorder: Disorders in the developing embryo caused by some genetic error, very often end in abortion.  A study showed that 50 – 60% of all abortions in the first trimester of pregnancy are caused by chromosome anomalies.

Hormonal level disorders: It is possible that disorders in the levels of hormones may cause abortion because the endometrium is not sufficiently developed to accept and successfully keep the fertilized egg. Women with thyroid and adrenal glands disorder, as well as women with diabetes face a greater risk of abortion. In addition, the elevated levels of prolactin may prohibit the normal development of the endometrium.

Anatomical (structural) anomalies: Uterine anatomical anomalies may cause abortion, usually because the implantation of the fertilized egg is prevented by this anomaly. Uterine fibroids are benign tumours on the uterine wall. Fibroids may cause infertility if they block the openings of the tubes or if their positions prevent the endometrium to function normally.

Cervical disorders: Another cause for abortion of the 2^nd trimester is the incompetence of the cervix to remain closed as it is pressed by the weight of the developing embryo.

Infections: It is possible that infections like rubella, herpes, chlamydia, ureoplasma, cytomegalovirus may, in some cases, affect the development of the embryo and cause abortion.

Environmental factors: Toxins carried by the air may also cause damage to the embryo or abortion, especially if the mother is exposed to them often from the 20^th week of the pregnancy onward. A few studies showed that the use of marijuana, tobacco, caffeine and alcohol might also affect the development of the embryo and lead to abortion. Women are advised to avoid or restrict these substances during pregnancy.

Immunological factors: The antiphospholipidic antibodies may cause abortion. Blood tests may detect the presence of these antibodies. Anticoagulant medicines like heparine or aspirin may be used for the thinning of blood. Antipaternal antibodies are another cause of abortion. Treatment with paternal lemphocytes is believed to help considerably.

Abortion symptoms: Some, but not all, women experience a few symptoms before the abortion, like a dark brown light pink or red blood vaginal leaking discharge, decrease of the breast tenderness or size, absence of embryo movement or his cardiac pulse. Pain and heavy vaginal bleeding indicate that abortion is in progress. It is imperative that the doctor should be notified immediately. If tissue drops, it is advised to be collected and sent for evaluation which may reveal the cause of the abortion.