Why Do I Keep Having Unexplained Miscarriages?

Link copied! Experiencing the loss of a pregnancy is a deeply emotional journey for couples aiming to conceive. Unexplained miscarriages add layers of confusion and heartache, leaving many seeking answers and support. In these challenging times, it’s crucial to understand the causes, signs and steps to take after a miscarriage, especially if you are looking to optimise the chances of your next pregnancy. Understanding Recurrent Miscarriages Recurrent miscarriages, where a couple experiences at least two consecutive miscarriages, pose a significant challenge for those hoping to start a family. Despite advances in medical knowledge, about half of recurrent miscarriages remain unexplained, adding emotional distress and uncertainty to the journey to parenthood[1]. The causes of recurrent miscarriages can stem from various factors affecting the woman, man, fetus, or placenta[2]. Women may face issues like abnormalities in the uterus or cervix, chromosome abnormalities, or poorly controlled chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, lupus and thyroid disorders, all of which can contribute to pregnancy loss[2]. Similarly, genetic or structural abnormalities in the fetus can greatly affect pregnancy outcomes[2]. While the causes from the father’s side are less clear, a higher risk of miscarriage is linked with abnormal semen analysis[2]. Despite thorough medical evaluations, a significant number of recurrent miscarriages defy clear diagnosis, highlighting the complexity of reproductive health. Additionally, certain risk factors like extreme weight (either underweight or overweight), unhealthy habits such as smoking, and excessive caffeine intake can increase the likelihood of miscarriage[3]. Lifestyle choices thus play a pivotal role in overall wellness and reproductive health. The risk of another miscarriage after the first one occurs is higher, approximately 20%[4]. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on healing both physically and emotionally during this time before conceiving again. Deciding when to try again is a personal decision, and you may want to discuss the timing of your next pregnancy with your healthcare provider. While Western medicine does not strictly recommend a waiting period before trying again, some medical professionals suggest waiting for a certain amount of time, typically three months for the uterus to recover and menstrual cycles to normalise[5]. TCM self-care tips after a miscarriage After a miscarriage, TCM strongly recommends a period of “mini confinement” for recovery. This practice encourages ample rest and allows the body to restore its delicate balance, including addressing any potential hormonal imbalances that may have contributed to the loss. It is completely understandable to feel lost and helpless in the wake of a miscarriage. However, this restorative confinement period is crucial for promoting physical healing and emotional well-being. By taking the time to nurture yourself, you give your body the best chance to regain its equilibrium before trying to conceive again. Read What Should I Do After A Miscarriage?  for guidance on post-miscarriage care and self-care tips from a TCM perspective. Identifying Root Causes with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) TCM provides a distinctive approach to addressing unexplained miscarriages by identifying and treating underlying imbalances in the body. During a consultation, TCM practitioners conduct a thorough evaluation, which includes pulse diagnosis, tongue examination, inquiries about the frequency and timing of miscarriages, as well as menstrual history. This comprehensive assessment also involves analysing other factors such as the basal body temperature (BBT) curve, menstrual flow, colour, clot formation and mucus changes, all of which contribute to a deeper understanding of your body. While these questions may be sensitive, open and honest communication is crucial for the practitioner to develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your unique condition, aiming to address the underlying imbalances effectively. From a TCM standpoint, the primary causes of recurrent miscarriage in TCM are deficiencies in Qi, Blood or both in the Kidney [6,7]. The Kidney plays a crucial role in growth, development, and reproduction, as it stores the essential Qi that warms and activates all other systems in the body. When there is sufficient Qi and Blood in the Kidney, the womb becomes a warm, safe, and comfortable environment where an embryo or fetus can thrive[6,7]. However, when there is insufficient Qi or Blood the embryo or fetus cannot be sustained, resulting in miscarriage[6,7]. TCM practitioners identify these deficiencies through detailed history taking, pulse diagnosis and tongue examination. Based on these assessments, they deliver personalised treatments aimed at restoring the balance in the Kidney. TCM treatments to help optimise chances of conception after a miscarriage Before trying to conceive again, ladies may seek guidance from TCM practitioners to facilitate a healing process for both mind and body. Here are some recommendations TCM practitioners may suggest: Herbal Medicine Herbal medications are often used to nourish the Kidneys, improve blood circulation and provide warmth to the womb to improve female health. Common herbal concoctions like Wu Zi Yan Zong 五子衍宗, Si Wu Tang 四物汤 and Ba Zhen Tang 八珍汤 are often prescribed for their ability to nourish blood and kidney essence. These formulations usually feature herbs such as Dang Gui 当归, Shu Di Huang 熟地黄, Du Zhong 杜仲 and Xu Duan 续断, which serve to strengthen the foundation of female health. Depending on individual needs, a personalised herbal concoction is prescribed to address specific imbalances within the body. Acupuncture and Moxibustion Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles into specific points on the body, known as acupoints. This technique aims to improve the flow of Qi (energy) and blood, addressing imbalances in the body and alleviating emotional stress. Common acupoints used for reproductive issues include Qi Hai (CV6), Guan Yuan (CV4), San Yin Jiao (SP6), Xue Hai (SP10), and others. Moxibustion is a technique that involves burning moxa (a dried herb) near acupoints on the stomach to provide warmth and improve circulation to the womb. Tech-enhanced therapies to help optimise chances of conception after a miscarriage Tech-enhanced therapies can complement TCM treatments in post-miscarriage care by optimising the body’s wellness in preparation for pregnancy. Electro-Lymphatic Therapy (ELT) Electro-Lymphatic Therapy (ELT) is a gentle and non-invasive technique that can help support the proper flow and drainage of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is an essential