A new study reports on miscarriage treatment and future fertility potential

October 10, 5:06 PMBrooklyn Infertility & Miscarriage ExaminerCorey Whelan

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There is hope after miscarriage.

No one plans for a miscarriage.   However, according to the American Pregnancy Association, 10-25% of all clinically recognized pregnancies will, in fact, end that way.  Your physician will most likely recommend one of three potential options on how to proceed if you unfortunately find yourself faced with this situation.

Expectant Management  (also known as "Watch and Wait") - this means that no action is taken, and  that a natural miscarriage will continue without the need for any medical intervention.

Medical Management - this technique refers to the utilization of medications to speed up the miscarriage process.

Surgical Management - this means that a surgical procedure known as a dilation and curettage (D&C) will be performed in order to remove the contents of the uterus and end the pregnancy surgically.

While there is a slight  risk of infection for all three modalities of treatment (2-3%), the rates of complications are extremely low.  

Researchers published a new study today in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) which gives women who have gone through miscarriage some very good news.  The study, based on a survey of 762 women who experienced miscarriage, has shown that that 83.6% have reported a subsequent pregnancy, and 82% have experienced a live birth,

All three methods of miscarriage treatment as cited above were utilized in equal numbers throughout the survey respondent pool.  None of the three treatments were shown to adversely affect a woman's ability to conceive later on.

It is important to note, however, that older women (late thirties and above) and those who had three or more miscarriages were less likely to bring a baby to term, researchers said.

Miscarriage can often be devastating to the expectant parents.  According to Lisa Van Ness, Helpline Coordinator for The American Fertility Association, "Women call The AFA helpline quite often seeking emotional support after a miscarriage.  It is understanding that the loss of a baby is a devastating experience, and often, men and women show their emotions differently after a miscarriage.  Some couples will pull together to try to conceive again immediately after a loss, others take time to heal, or to get on the same page.  At a time like this, communication is key to moving forward.".

Many women experience a miscarriage at some point during their reproductive years.  Despite the potential heartbreak of that experience, it is uplifting to know that most of them will go on to experience motherhood, as well.