Another failed pregnancy and you feel grieved, angry, deflated. Hopeless. The questions run a constant loop: Was it something I ate/drank/did? Is it genetic, or just horribly bad luck? Dr. Dan Gehlbach with Midwest Reproductive Center devotes a great deal of his fertility practice to resolving recurrent miscarriage.

In the first few minutes of a consultation with Dr. Gehlbach, you will likely hear him say it’s not your fault. Studies show that stress, exercise and daily habits did not cause your miscarriage. We outline common causes for recurrent miscarriage and effective treatments on our website.

 So then, who or what is to blame for recurrent miscarriage?

Recurrent Miscarriage, by the Numbers

A reproductive endocrinologist like Dr. Gehlbach specializes in fertility, devoting years to fellowship training and the science of reproductive medicine. Miscarriages underscore the vast amount of knowledge we have about what it takes to conceive, and what can go wrong in the process.

It’s a miracle any babies are born, when you consider these numbers:

• About half of all pregnancies end in miscarriage before the woman knows she’s pregnant.
• Nearly 20 percent of pregnancies end before the first trimester.
• 1 woman in 100 will experience recurrent miscarriage (according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists).

However, there is hope. Nearly 70 percent of couples that have lost two consecutive pregnancies (the definition for recurrent miscarriage) will go on to successfully conceive.

• Less than 5 percent of women will experience two consecutive miscarriages.
• Only 1 percent of women will have three miscarriages.

The caveat: Maternal age plays a significant role in fertility. Egg quality declines with age, and can lead to serious problems with getting pregnant.

Wait and See, Or See a Fertility Specialist?

Dr. Gehlbach and industry experts recommend seeing a fertility specialist in these circumstances:

1)     You have had two consecutive miscarriages

2)     You have tried to get pregnant for 12 months and are under 35

3)     You have tried to get pregnant for 6 months and are over 35

Chances are, you will have only an initial consultation and will find out you can get pregnant again without any intervention. Or, Dr. Gehlbach can find a cause, recommend a cure and help you avoid any more recurrent miscarriages. Either way, there’s no down side to asking for help. Contact us here.