A miscarriage is a common experience, but that doesn’t make it any less heartbreaking. October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and SGF reminds you we are there for you at every turn providing support services and community resources to help and encourage you on your road to parenthood.
Having a Miscarriage Doesn’t Mean You Won’t Deliver a Healthy Baby
Since miscarriages are quite common, one miscarriage is not considered cause for exceptional concern. In fact, 70 to 75 percent of those with unexplained causes for a miscarriage will go on and successfully carry their next pregnancy to full term. Chances of a successful pregnancy after a miscarriage are almost greater than the risk of another failure, especially if you find the significant problem. “Patients should feel reassured overall that it’s far more likely they’ll have a successful pregnancy and healthy baby,” stated Jeffrey L. McKeeby, M.D., of Shady Grove Fertility’s Annapolis, MD, office.
If a woman has had two or more miscarriages, determining the underlying cause becomes necessary. “We recommend a fertility evaluation after two miscarriages,” reminds Jason Bromer, M.D., of SGF’s Frederick and Hagerstown, MD locations.
It is important, as well as stressed, that women should not be worried about a certain cause of miscarriage until the testing and evaluation are complete. After having an evaluation with a physician, he/she will then work with you in getting the proper care and treatment that you need in order to have a successful pregnancy in the future.
If a genetic condition is causing the miscarriage, a physician may recommend preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) with in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. PGS determines if any genetic abnormalities are present by examining the chromosomes to determine a normal copy number. If a genetic disease is found, the disease can be prevented from passing onto the child through IVF treatment. If it is an anatomic problem with the shape and size of a woman’s uterus, surgery is often recommended depending on the structural problem. For a medical condition, your physician may order testing and recommend treatment of the condition prior to, or in conjunction with, infertility treatment.
It is essential to live a healthy and active lifestyle to the best of your ability in order to have a successful pregnancy. Smoking, certain recreational drugs, excessive alcohol, excessive caffeine, and obesity are all linked to an increased risk of recurrent miscarriage. Many couples experience decreased risk of miscarriage when they address certain lifestyle factors. A physician can provide guidance on addressing these lifestyle changes if necessary.
Shared Risk 100% Refund Program
Shady Grove Fertility developed the Shared Risk 100% Refund Program to help make fertility treatment more affordable. Shared Risk offers up to 6 IVF or donor egg cycles and any subsequent frozen embryo transfers for one flat fee.
For many couples who have experienced pregnancy loss, Shared Risk can act as an “insurance” in the unfortunate event of a miscarriage. It is our hope that this program allows patients to think a little less about the money and more about building a healthy family. Shady Grove Fertility recognizes that offering a refund in no way eases the pain of a loss but hopefully helps in the decision of whether to try another cycle.
Support after a Miscarriage
We understand that taking the step to try and have a successful pregnancy after a miscarriage can be challenging. If you decide to take this step, we encourage you to take advantage of the resources that SGF makes available to you, including a full psychological support team who provides individual and couples counseling for SGF patients. In addition to our monthly support groups, there are online resources such as the SGF Facebook page where over 23,000 SGF Sisters share stories and inspiration.
Patient stories are also a wonderful resource to find support and hope, as these patients successfully overcame infertility. They shared their stories, struggles, journey, success, and words of encouragement.
Kat and Mike’s Story
Andreia and Thomas’s Story
At Shady Grove Fertility, we aim to provide resources and support from a medical, emotional, and financial perspective. Having support allows you to have a safety net; a net that grows stronger with more connections. A strong support network lifts us up when we get low and provides the strength we need to keep moving forward in the direction of our dreams.
To learn more about miscarriage or to schedule an appointment, please call our New Patient Center at 1-877-971-7755 or click here to complete this brief online form.
