Updated August 5, 2011.

What is Recurrent Miscarriage?

2 or more consecutive pregnancy losses is defined as recurrent miscarriage or recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL)

How Common Is Recurrent Miscarriage?

Miscarriages in the first trimester are thought to be as high as 50% with many women not even realizing that they are pregnant before miscarrying. After having one miscarriage most women go on to have a healthy pregnancy. Still there are a few women that will continue to have two or more miscarriages.

Risk Factors for Recurrent Miscarriages

Though any woman can experience recurrent miscarriage, certain factors increase a woman’s chances of experiencing multiple losses. These factors include:

• Age: As a woman grows older, her chances of experiencing a miscarriage increase with the risk rising steadily after the age of 30 and even more quickly after the age of 40.
• Lifestyle: Women who smoke, drink a lot of alcohol, or take drugs are more likely to experience recurrent miscarriage. Men who drink alcohol on the night of conception is related to a higher incidence of miscarriage.  So remember - don't enter the bedroom drunk!
• Previous Miscarriage: Women who have already experienced two previous miscarriages are more likely to experience recurrent pregnancy loss.

Causes of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Unfortunately, 50% of couples experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss never find out the cause of their miscarriages even after testing. Yet, some causes of recurrent pregnancy loss have been identified.

Genetic Factors

The most common cause of miscarriages in the first trimester is genetic abnormalities in the embryo. Chromosomal problems causing poor embryo quality can be passed down from either the mother or father of the child.

Structural Abnormalities

Occurring in at least 2% of all cases of RPL, sometimes the shape or size of the uterus can impede upon the implantation of an embryo or prevent proper growth and development.

Hormonal Factors

Hormonal imbalances are believed to play a role in at least 20% of recurrent pregnancy losses. Women with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), high levels of luteinizing hormone and low levels of progesterone may experience recurrent pregnancy loss because the hormones needed to ensure a healthy pregnancy are unbalanced.

Blood Clotting Disorders

Blood clotting disorders appear to play a role in 15% of all cases of recurrent miscarriage. Blood clotting disorders prevent the placenta from getting a proper blood supply during pregnancy, causing the fetus to die. This is often due to the presence of high levels of antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) and anticardiolipin antibodies.

Treating Recurrent Miscarriage

An individualized and well-constructed regimen of acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and supplements offer effective solutions for unexplained recurrent miscarriages or those due to genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, immune factors, and stress.

Acupuncture’s effects to reduce the risk of miscarriage include:

• increasing the blood flow to the ovaries to nourish the developing follicles and create better egg quality and stronger embryos.
• increasing blood flow to the testicles for improved sperm quality to optimize the male’s contribution to embryo quality. (Note: this is particular important in couples who experience repeated chemical pregnancies with IVF + ICSI.)
• nourishing the developing fetus by improving the blood flow to the placenta and preventing uterine contractions.
• regulating the body’s natural hormonal production which in turn improves ovarian function, egg quality, and proper progesterone levels.
• relaxing the body and reducing stress levels to prevent early uterine contractions.

Although many doctors recommend abstaining for 3 months before trying to conceive in cases of recurrent miscarriages, the important distinction that is overlooked is that there MUST be treatment to support the body during this period. Abstinence alone will not improve the woman’s health because there is no treatment given to reverse the effects of repeated miscarriages on the mother’s body. Rather, using acupuncture treatment during this period is critical so that her body (and thus eggs) has enough time to get strong enough to carry a healthy pregnancy to term. Prognosis is often excellent because the woman is obviously able to conceive and it becomes a matter of providing enough support for her body to finish the job with the birth of a healthy baby.

A study by the Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Center in Colorado Springs found that acupuncture significantly reduces the miscarriage rate from 14% in the control group not receiving acupuncture with their IVF treatment to 8% of women in the group combining acupuncture with their IVF. For more information on the study, click here.

Recommendations to Prepare You for Your Next Pregnancy:

1. Reduce your stress with conscious deep abdominal breathing throughout the day.
2. Practice positive affirmations to change your negative thought patterns about your body or your fertility. An example is: “My healthy womb nourishes my baby”.
3. Eat healthier, less processed foods that are nutrient dense without added sugars and chemicals (i.e. preservatives, food coloring, etc.).
4. If planning to start acupuncture, begin charting your BBT to help your acupuncturist determine if hormonal imbalances are a factor.
5. Call us today to start acupuncture.

"After 4 miscarriages and 2 failed IVF attempts over the past 3 years, I decided to try acupuncture to get pregnant. After 3 1/2 months of acupuncture with Julie, I finally got pregnant. I offer you my warmest thanks for the care, understanding, and ultimate success you gave me. You have added immeasurably to our family, and to our happiness; there aren't words for my gratitude." - Martha Clay, San Diego

"In March 2006 I was diagnosed with a complete molar pregnancy, then subsequently had I experienced 3 additional miscarriages. After seeking the care of many physicians and undergoing a great deal of testing and visits to a fertility specialist I was told that there was nothing wrong with me and that I should be able to carry a baby without a problem. Wondering what then, to make of the habitual miscarriages, I began to do research on alternative therapies. I came across acupuncture as an option for treating problems with pregnancies. I interviewed many acupuncturists, but it was not until speaking with Julie that I was confident there was something that an acupuncturist could do for me. I began acupuncture treatments with Julie once a week combined with acupressure exercises, herbs in the form of pills, nutrition shakes and a modified diet three months before becoming pregnant with our daughter. I began to experience spotting at approximately 6 weeks, which I feared was the end of this pregnancy, since this was the typical time frame in which the miscarriages occurred. I called Julie, panicked, and was told to come in to see both her and Eric for treatments to get it under control. I saw them both frequently and was prescribed additional herbal tea to drink until I was 24 weeks pregnant. It was with their dedication to helping my baby thrive that I carried her full term. They were there for me to answer questions and concerns at almost any time of day and were determined to help to bring our baby into this world. Our beautiful baby girl is indeed a miracle! She was expected to arrive December 24, 2007 and the acupuncture worked so well she did not arrive until January 1, 2008 at 9:06am. We were so ecstatic to finally meet our beautiful miracle face to face. Words cannot begin to explain the gratitude my husband and I have for these two amazing people. They are truly angels God sent to help us during our time of need. Thank-you both very much!" Amy Cabrera, San Diego, CA