Understanding Miscarriages

03 August 2010 | Dr Paul Armstrong | Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology | The Portland Hospital

For most women, a positive pregnancy test is a time for celebration and joy but unfortunately miscarriages do occur in 25% of all pregnancies and can be a devastating event for those affected.

Dr Paul Armstrong, Consultant Obstetrician at The Portland Hospital, feels that despite the fact that miscarriages are a common occurrence that every individual case warrants close investigation to try and establish a cause for the miscarriage. In most cases, after careful analysis, he is able to give couples a reason why the miscarriage occurred and what the chances are of it happening again.

Fortunately, in Dr Armstrong’s experience, most women who suffer a miscarriage do so only once in a lifetime. Sadly, however, some couples experience repeated miscarriages. In these cases, further specialist tests are important. There are many possible causes for repeated miscarriage and therefore comprehensive individualised investigation and testing of both prospective parents is recommended.

This usually results in a treatment plan for the next pregnancy and hopefully, a healthy full term baby. Dr Armstrong offers a variety of treatments depending on the underlying cause such as ‘sticky blood’, weakness of the cervix and immune problems when there may be an incompatibility between the parents which may be corrected by LIT (Lymphocyte Immunisation Therapy).

Although LIT is not appropriate in every case and certainly not the only treatment option available, in those cases where it is used, 75% of couples go on to have a successful pregnancy. After a full investigation, LIT immunisation therapy is sometimes used for women that incur multiple miscarriages if considered as the most appropriate form of treatment.

Dr Armstrong recommends that after you have had a miscarriage, you should wait until you have had one completely normal period before trying again to conceive but of course, much also depends on when you are emotionally ready for it.

For further information please contact Dr Paul Armstrong on 020 7580 5754.

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