Miscarriage
If you have experienced loss we are here for you. Our team comprises consultant medical doctors experienced in miscarriage support as well as counsellors and complementary therapists. You may build a personal support team of one or more specialists, who will focus on your health and wellbeing.
An important part of fertility care is to reduce the risk of miscarriage. We provide early pregnancy ultrasound monitoring to assess the need for additional support, such as progesterone supplementation, and we help couples make lifestyle and nutrition changes to improve the environment for pregnancy. We also provide diagnosis and treatment when there is recurrent miscarriage.
Many early pregnancy losses are not preventable because there may be a chromosomal or developmental problem in the foetus. There are other causes that can be prevented or treated and we are proud to offer a range of support. The average rate for miscarriage of 25% is spread across all age groups. The frequency increases with maternal age and is highest after 40.
Your consultant fertility specialist will meet you and organise tests and treatment with you.
Medical treatment from your consultant gynaecologist will be tailored to your indiviual situation. Following a miscarriage, if you need surgery to remove retained placental tissue (a technique called ERPC) we will arrange for it to be done by a reliable surgeon. We will also talk to you about the range of care available to help you recover well and to support you emotionally.
Preventing a miscarriage may be possible.
- Ultrasound scanning allows confirmation of pregnancy and close monitoring of foetal development.
- Additional progesterone can be prescribed where there are signs of low output of progesterone from the ovary in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. Women over 35 years and those with PCOS are more likely to benefit from progesterone treatment.
- If an underlying medical condition is treated, such as thrombophilia (a tendency to blood clots), an ongoing pregnancy is more likely. The usual medical treatment for this is aspirin or heparin.
- Nutritional support, typically incorporating prescribed vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acid supplements, helps to reduce miscarriage risk. Individualised nutrition tests may be useful and the nutrititonist specialising in fertility support will advise you.
- Acupuncture or homeopathy are often used to complement medical care.
Recurrent miscarriage (more than two pregnancy losses) affects a small number of women. Intensive medical and ultrasound investigation will rule out an underlying condition that could predispose to miscarriage. During the next pregnancy we'll offer you continuing close monitoring and support.
Viveka's 'Emo' (emotional support) team is led by a highly experienced fertility and family therapist who is also a midwife and has extensive experience supporting couples after miscarriage and in pregnancies following a previous loss. The team also has a hypnotherapist, a transpersonal psychotherapist and a life coach. Some couples find that emotional support before conception is incredibly valuable, particularly after a previous loss. Your consultant doctor will help you to choose the most appropriate person for you.
