Chromosomal Abnormalities Cause Embryos to Self Destruct

One common reason for miscarriage is some type of chromosomal abnormality which is usually inconsistent with life. According to this article embryos may self destruct when they have the wrong number of chromosomes. Read more:

timeofindia.indiatimes.com

From the article:

Researchers in Belgium have found that it’s normal for human embryos to contain cells with the wrong number of chromosomes, which can actually cause them to self-destruct. As women age, their eggs are more likely to have the wrong number of chromosomes, which can lead to miscarriages.

Fifths Disease and Miscarriage

Fifths disease is caused by a viral infection and is common in children. Most adults have developed immunity, but it can cause a problem in pregnancy. Read more:


kids.emedtv.com

From the article:

How Common Is Miscarriage After Fifth Disease?
In rare cases, a miscarriage after fifth disease can occur. It appears that miscarriages happen in less than 5 percent of all women who are infected with parvovirus B19 while they are pregnant. A miscarriage after fifth disease appears to be most common during the first trimester. Such a miscarriage is most commonly due to nonimmune hydrops fetalis, a condition which causes severe anemia (low red blood cells) and congestive heart failure.

There is no evidence that parvovirus B19 infection in the mother, while she is pregnant, causes birth defects or mental retardation.

Miscarriage and Hormones

I've always wondered if my miscarriages were mainly due to hormonal imbalances. Here is an article that seems to support that, in many cases, miscarriages have a hormonal component:

Hormones predict miscarriage risk

Here is an excerpt from the BBC News Article (link above):

"At as early as six weeks' gestation, levels of three placental hormones - inhibin A, hCG and oestradiol - were up to four times lower in the women who went on to miscarry compared with the women who subsequently had a live birth.

These hormones are known to be critical for the embryo's nourishment and development.

Professor Jauniaux said: "If we are able to identify these clear hormone variations early enough, we believe there is a real window of hope for the development of preventative therapies for these patients."

Case Study on Recurrent Miscarriage

Here is an article in it's entirety about one couple's experience and treatment of recurrent miscarriage:

__________________________

How To Overcome Recurrent Miscarriage--A Case Study PART 1 OF 2, by gabrielarosa

*Susan and Peter Smith (names have been changed for privacy reasons)

FIRST VISIT:
Susan, BMI 21 (30 y.o, oil painter) came to see me on her own after having suffered her third consecutive miscarriage. She was understandably discouraged and very upset by this as her most recent miscarriage had only happened 5 days prior.

1st Miscarriage 1990--6-7 weeks--no D&C required
2nd Miscarriage 2002--8 weeks, blighted ovum--D&C, conceived again 1 month later.
3rd Miscarriage 2003--9 weeks, blighted ovum--D&C

Susan had regular periods that ranged from 32-35 days, normally would bleed for 5 days and considered her bleeding light, varying from bright to dark blood, with no clots. Ovulation was occurring in most cycles between days 17 and 18. She had been on the oral contraceptive pill from the ages 18-25yrs old and experienced an absence of periods for some time post cessation. Susan usually experience moderate to severe pre-menstrual symptoms such as fluid retention, PMT, fatigue and food cravings (sweets).

Other general symptoms she complained about included: palpitations, sinus congestion, numbness and tingling of extremities, occasional migraines (which had been particularly bad on the pill), skin rashes and hives (particularly following neurofen). In the previous year, she had had two elevated Gamma GT results (GGT--liver enzyme).

Susan had many investigations following her third miscarriage. I asked her to bring in those results with her next time. I also asked her to make an appointment with one of the doctor's at the centre as we would need to do some further investigations for heavy metals and genito-urinary tract infections.

TREATMENT
Discussed the need to avoid radiation, electrical appliances in the bedroom, chemicals of any type, especially cleaning products and this included a break from painting for at least 120 days (fortunately she could do this) as well as flying (this would be more difficult for her husband as it was part of his job) and anything else that could be detrimental for general health. I advised her and her husband to avoid alcohol and caffeine completely (they didn't smoke or use recreational drugs so, this was one less thing for them to do!)

Detoxifying, low allergenic (dairy and gluten free) organic diet wherever possible (particularly meats). She was to base her meals on vegetables and good quality protein sources and avoid processed, refined, fermented and sugary foods. Susan also needed to make sure she was drinking plenty of filtered water, at least 2L daily. She was already exercising and sleeping well.

SUPPLEMENTS:
Individually customised supplementation regime for Susan.

HERBS:
Individually customised herbal medicine prescription for Susan.

I asked her to bring her partner along next time and for him to have a sperm analysis through a specialist fertility clinic in the interim. I also asked for her to bring along any results she may have to her next visit. She would also begin charting her cycle.

SUBSEQUENT CONTACT:
Susan called me to let me know she had thrush. I dispensed herbs for her to taken internally and do sitzbaths/douches daily, followed by local yoghurt and acidophilous applications.

SECOND VISIT:
Susan brought in her husband and all results from previous investigations. She was starting to feel better now, felt unwell in the first 2-3weeks after her first visit. Susan was able to implement all the lifestyle changes I suggested to her in the initial consult. Her temperatures were good, mucus changes were undetectable and she was not ovulating.

RELEVANT FINDINGS FOR SUSAN:
:: Normal chromosomal assessment of parents and products of conception post D&C
:: High positive IgA + IgG for Candida.
:: Positive IgM for Cardiolipin antibodies
:: Positive Antinuclear antibodies (ANA)
:: Very high prolactin levels (1886 mIU/L)
:: Decreased haemoglobin
:: Elevated globulins (GGT had gone back to normal) (liver function test)
:: Low B12
:: Low day 21 progesterone
:: Positive Gliadin Antibodies (EIA) (gluten intolerance)
:: High fasting blood mercury levels (later established mercury and lead--heavy metal toxicity)

Peter, BMI 30 (31 y.o. General Manager--Retail) accompanied Susan, he was able to bring his blood results as well as sperm analysis and completed questionnaire.

RELEVANT FINDINGS FOR PETER:
:: Overweight
:: Stressed
:: Nutritional deficiency symptoms
:: Indigestion
:: Constipation
:: High cholesterol
:: High insulin levels (pre-diabetic state)
:: Elevated liver enzymes
:: TSH low end of the range
:: Sperm analysis surprisingly good, despite some sperm clumping and low levels of sperm antibodies being detected.

TREATMENT:
They were both to follow the diet. Peter needed to detoxify, exercise, implement some stress management techniques, which were discussed and lose some weight. He was able to decrease the amount of interstate flying every month.

Susan and Peter needed to undertake some further heavy metal diagnostic tests and Susan's integrative medicine doctor already started her on oral chelation therapy to detoxify from heavy metals.

SUSAN'S SUPPLEMENTS:
Individualised, high quality, therapeutic 'practitioner only' nutrients including and not limited to a good multi vitamin, fish oils, antioxidants, probiotics and more.

SUSAN'S HERBS:
Susan had lots of immune system related issues, and was given another customised herbal formula to address these issues in detail. In addition Susan as also prescribed another hormonal balancing mix focusing on liver health and eradicating high levels of candida from her system based on her blood tests and had had thrush soon after our last visit.

PETER'S SUPPLEMENTS:
Peter's supplements were also Individualised, high quality, therapeutic 'practitioner only' nutrients focusing on overall metabolic health to optimise fertility including and not limited to vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, magnesium and chromium--these will also help to normalise his weight and blood sugar level issues.

PETER'S HERBS:
Peter's customised herbal medicines were primarily focused on optimising liver health, prostate and sperm function, general wellbeing, energy levels and decrease stress.

Copyright(c) 2008 Gabriela Rosa and Natural Fertility & Health Solutions P/L.

About the Author

Leading Sydney-based natural fertility specialist, researcher and author Gabriela Rosa is devoted to helping bring healthy babies into the world and empower individuals through better health. Boost your natural fertility, get pregnant fast, increase the odds of IVF, prevent miscarriages and take home a healthier baby--click here for FREE fertility advice and your FREE Natural Fertility Booster ezine subscription.

Article Source: Content for Reprint

Chlamydia and Miscarriage

I knew that Chlamydia can be a cause of infertility but it also can contribute to miscarriage. Here is an article that explains some of the disease process:


www.medindia.net

from the article:

Anthony Azenabor of University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee has identified a link in two seemingly unrelated health issues. The research team has identifies a rouge bacteria, Chlamydia, that wrecks the immune system causing coronary artery disease and miscarriages. By focusing on the immune system mechanisms in Chlamydia infections, Azenabor has identified an important link in seemingly unrelated health problems...

...As the macrophages become immobile, they accumulate in the blood vessel walls, setting the stage for atherosclerosis. Researchers also found that Chlamydia is also involved in the occurrence of spontaneous abortions or miscarriages.

Happy Independence Day

Have a safe holiday weekend.

Can Birth Control Pills Cause A Miscarriage?

If you're trying to conceive, you're probably not on birth control. However, I've heard many cases of women who were on the pill and became pregnant. Their first question is whether or not this will hurt their baby or cause a miscarriage. The following site discusses that question:

allexperts.com - Lawrence Jay Rappaport M.D.

From the site:

Very often, women who are taking birth control pills find that they are pregnant. As long as they stop taking birth control pills before the second trimester of pregnancy, there will not be any problem. If you take birth control pills after the first trimester of pregnancy, there is a risk of masculinization of a female fetus. Birth control pills do NOT cause a miscarriage.