Miscarriage

Unfortunately, between 10-15% of pregnancies miscarry before 13 weeks and the risk goes up with increasing maternal age.

Recurrent miscarriage can be devastating with 5% of women having 2 or more miscarriages, and 1% of women have 3 or more miscarriages.

There are several possible causes of miscarriage including genetic causes, uterine abnormalities, immune system abnormalities, blood clotting disorders and hormone imbalance although sometimes a cause is not found which makes miscarriage even more difficult for a couple.

A thorough history, examination and investigations may help to determine the cause and help to improve the chances of a health pregnancy in the future.

Fortunately, many couples who experience a miscarriage will go onto achieve a healthy pregnancy spontaneously, however, some couples may need assistance with ovulation induction of IVF.

Read more about pregnancy loss from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Molar pregnancy

A hydatidiform mole (gestational trophoblastic disease) occurs when the placenta burrows into the uterine wall – hence the name. It occurs in approximately 1/2000 pregnancies and is usually diagnosed after having a curette.

Depending on the type of mole you will need more regular follow up. Most women can fall pregnant with a healthy pregnancy after having a molar pregnancy.