Patients - Midland Fertility Services
Patients - Midland Fertility Services
Patients - Midland Fertility Services
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The <strong>Patients</strong>’ Guide to <strong>Services</strong> 2009-2010<br />
Recurrent Miscarriage Service<br />
Who can benefit?<br />
● any woman who has experienced two or<br />
more miscarriages, whether she conceived<br />
naturally or after fertility treatment<br />
● the woman does not have to be an existing<br />
patient of MFS<br />
● a woman may 'self-refer' - a doctor's<br />
referral is not necessary<br />
The recurrent miscarriage service at MFS<br />
seeks to identify any treatable causes of<br />
miscarriage and to offer early diagnosis and<br />
appropriate management by a dedicated team<br />
of the MFS clinical staff. To maximise the<br />
convenience to the patient, blood tests may be<br />
sent to her to be completed at her GP surgery.<br />
Miscarriage occurs in about 10-15% of all<br />
pregnancies and increases with the age of any<br />
woman trying to conceive. Recurrent<br />
miscarriage - or recurrent pregnancy loss<br />
(RPL) - is defined as the loss of three or more<br />
pregnancies and affects 1% of all women.<br />
However, even after a number of miscarriages,<br />
a successful pregnancy remains possible. The<br />
specialised tests at the MFS recurrent<br />
miscarriage service may help to identify<br />
specific problems and treatments may be able<br />
to prevent future pregnancy losses.<br />
What is included in the service?<br />
Initial investigations include:<br />
● medical history and examination, including<br />
a BMI assessment<br />
● karyotype blood test (both partners) for<br />
genetic abnormalities, the problem for<br />
about 3-5% of couples with RPL<br />
● anti-phospholipid antibodies blood test - a<br />
high level of anti-phospholipid antibodies is<br />
the cause of miscarriage in about 15% of<br />
women with RPL<br />
● FSH and LH hormone blood test<br />
● ultrasound scan to identify any<br />
abnormalities of the uterus or ovaries<br />
● follow-up consultation<br />
● counselling<br />
● following any positive pregnancy test, an<br />
early pregnancy ultrasound at six weeks<br />
gestation<br />
Additional investigations which may also be<br />
required are also available.<br />
Results<br />
Not all causes of RPL can be treated, but<br />
certain treatments, specifically for<br />
thrombophilias can be very effective.<br />
12 | <strong>Midland</strong> <strong>Fertility</strong> <strong>Services</strong> : Investigations
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