When the joy of a pregnancy turns into the heartbreak of a pregnancy loss, many women question their ability to carry a pregnancy to term. With a recurrent pregnancy loss, that heartbreak can turn to hopelessness and the feeling that a full-term pregnancy is not possible.
Despite these feelings, it’s important to know that recurring miscarriages are relatively common, and occur in 15-20% of all pregnancies. A single or even two miscarriages don’t necessarily mean future infertility. More than a half of women will have healthy, full-term pregnancies, even after two miscarriages.
At BodaHealth, we believe that the treatment of any condition begins with digging deep and understanding its underlying cause. This is vital when it comes to understanding and treating recurrent pregnancy loss, as there are a number of reasons they may be occurring.
Random chromosomal abnormalities of the growing embryo are by far the most common cause of miscarriages during the first trimester. This is often a one-time occurrence, however in some cases chromosomal problems are passed on which can cause multiple miscarriages. For some couples, IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) paired with genetic testing prior to implantation may increase your chances of a full-term pregnancy. If this should be the case, our BodaHealth Vancouver practitioners are highly trained and experienced in supporting the success of that process.
Endocrine problems may also be the source of recurrent pregnancy loss. This includes thyroid or pituitary imbalances, diabetes, and PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). In addition, luteal phase defect may also lead to recurrent miscarriages, both through hormonal imbalances and an unprepared or insufficient uterine lining.
Uterine abnormalities are the cause of about 15% of miscarriages, often in the later stages of your pregnancy. Uterine issues may include structural problems that you were born with or problems that have developed later in life, such as fibroids of polyps. These uterine growths can cause miscarriage in some pregnancies, but may not be a problem in others. Uterine scarring from prior surgeries, inflammation, or infection may also lead to pregnancy loss. In many cases these problems can be treated before conception through surgical intervention.
The Role of BodaHealth
At BodaHealth, our practitioners are dedicated to supporting you through your pregnancy journey, and this is especially true if you have experienced one or more miscarriages. Here is how we can help:
- By conducting a thorough health history and exam, and when necessary, diagnostic testing. We work to determine the underlying cause of your pregnancy loss. Only then are we able to develop a treatment strategy for you—one that is unique to your specific needs and diagnosis.
- Our practitioners have extensive training and years of clinical experience in treating women’s health and fertility conditions. They are highly skilled in treating conditions known to be a factor in miscarriages, such as PCOS, luteal phase defect, hormonal imbalances, and advanced maternal age.
- We offer a variety of natural medicine therapies that provide support for women who have a history of miscarriage. This includes acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and naturopathic medicine to give you a wide variety of options and the best care possible. Research has documented that acupuncture has a beneficial effect on your hormones, increases circulation to your reproductive organs, and reduces stress, all of which may positively affect the outcome of your pregnancy. In addition, a number of clinical studies have reported that Traditional Chinese herbal formulas can improve pregnancy birth rates by helping prevent miscarriage and promoting a healthy pregnancy. The role of naturopathic medicine is wide-ranging, in that our doctors can test for hormonal imbalances, autoimmune disorders, digestive and nutritional health, and toxicities that may be affecting your pregnancy. They are able to recommend a variety of nutritional supplements, provide dietary guidelines, suggest lifestyle strategies, and prescribe hormonal supplementation when necessary.
- Our practitioners and office staff are compassionate and caring. They’re committed to making your time with BodaHealth as comfortable and relaxing as possible.
At BodaHealth, we understanding how physically and emotionally challenging fertility issues can be. Our highly trained and experienced practitioners may be the answer you’re looking for. Contact us to see if we can help you.
