Recurrent Pregnancy Loss & Miscarriage in the family – would it affect me?

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss or RPL is a haunting fear among mothers attempting to conceive. Many women tend to be disheartened after their first miscarriage and may even fear trying again as this means setting themselves up for a potential emotional roller coaster. In this article, we have made it our mission to present facts and bust myths regarding RPL and miscarriages. 

MYTH #1- IF YOU’VE BEEN THROUGH A MISCARRIAGE ONCE, YOU’RE MORE LIKELY TO GO THROUGH IT AGAIN. 

This is a highly inaccurate misconception that calls to be busted. As a matter of fact, women who have dealt with miscarriage once will proceed to have healthy pregnancies. The likelihood of RPL, which is best understood as consecutive miscarriages is extremely slim and according to data, the occurrence of another miscarriage after the first is specifically as low as 1%. Now, if you have just gone through a miscarriage and feel highly anxious to try again, do know that the chances of a successful pregnancy are high, and the odds are definitely in your favour.[1] 

MYTH #2- IT IS ENTIRELY THE WOMAN’S FAULT IF A MISCARRIAGE OCCURS

It is common in the Malaysian mentality to point fingers at women when recurring miscarriages happen. Scientifically, the majority of miscarriages are caused by chromosomal problems that are present in the sperm or egg during conception, which usually results from random errors during the formation of the sperm or egg. One of the causes of recurrent miscarriage has been identified to result from antiphospholipid syndrome (an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly creates antibodies that increase blood clotting). However, according to recent research published in Clinic Chemistry, it is indicated that multiple miscarriages (three or more) are highly linked to poor sperm quality which is common amongst men who are 37 and older or obese. Other causes of miscarriage may also include asymptomatic chromosomal disorder that causes an increased tendency of miscarriages, which can run in families and pass to the child. However, it is only present in about 5% of all couples with recurrent miscarriages. That said, there are many reasons why a miscarriage may occur. 

MYTH #3- ONLY WOMEN ARE EMOTIONALLY IMPACTED BY MISCARRIAGES

Undoubtedly, a woman that goes through a miscarriage is most emotionally affected. However, to ensure a sturdy relationship post-miscarriage we urge that the emotional conditions of male partners are also acknowledged and a safe space for vulnerability is created. According to a study, it is common for parental relationships to dissolve post-miscarriage due to the emotional turbulence a couple faces. The process of conceiving a child should be a kind one. In the event of a miscarriage, couples need to stand even more united and resilient as a successful pregnancy is teamwork after all. Avoid the blame game at all costs and always be physically and emotionally available for your partner. 

The chance of getting RPL is high if women have an underlying medical problem like autoimmune disease or gynaecological disease (pelvic inflammatory disease). If a miscarriage happens once and by chance without any reason, the next pregnancy will proceed to be a healthy pregnancy. If the woman has 2 or more previous miscarriages, the risk of getting another miscarriage in the future increases too. So, it is better to plan the pregnancy well and visit a doctor for an antenatal checkup. [1]

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