Studies show that the chances of miscarriages are higher if you are conceiving a baby via an IVF. Parents who plan to go for the IVF should know what are the risks associated with the IVF and how to reduce them beforehand. Every parent needs a safer path to pregnancy, advanced treatments, and the right medications for a healthy baby but sometimes everything fails if we aren't careful enough in managing all of these.
According to one of the studies conducted in 2003, women who got pregnant (with a single child) with the help of an IVF underwent miscarriages 22% of the time.
The article below will help you to understand how miscarriage is related to IVF and what shall be done to reduce its rate.
Statistics
According to the American Pregnancy Association, - the miscarriage chances in women are between 10 to 25%. On average, the overall chances lie between 15 to 20%.
Studies show that women above 42 years of age consist of a 50% chance of facing miscarriages. Women below this hold 20 to 35% of the miscarriage chances.
One of the studies conducted in 2006, shows that genetic diagnosis reduced the chances of miscarriage in women aged between 35 to 40 from 19% to 14%. For the women above the age of 40, it removed the miscarriage rate from 41% to 22%.
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, everyone woman's out of the four is bound to suffer from the miscarriage problem. It might take place due to chromosome irregularities.
Increasing risk of Miscarriage during IVF Process?
Unlike males, who make new sperm every time, females are blessed with all the eggs that they would need in their entire lifetime. The number of these eggs is around 1 million to 2 million. Without any doubt, the eggs or fertility of women diminishes as she ages with time.
Having said so, in general, chances of pregnancy decrease in women who have crossed their 40's. With this age, their likelihood of getting naturally pregnant reduces. Using an IVF treatment to conceive can be impactful but not in every case as it increases the miscarriage risk. With the upcoming genetic testing, the risk associated with miscarriage via an IVF is reduced potentially by almost 60 to 70%.
Reasons of Miscarriage during IVF Process
Various reasons can contribute to the miscarriage with or without your knowledge. Find these reasons by studying the pointers below -
Health Problems
Women who go for IVF can end up having unseen health issues. These health problems might lead to miscarriages in the early stages of pregnancy by 40%.
Stimulation of Ovary
The risk of ovarian stimulation is related to the risk of miscarriage. According to one of the studies of 2004, during the time of assisted reproductive technology, women receive a lot of ovarian stimulation. So, before going for an IVF, you should sit with your doctor and discuss all the pros and cons of it.
Age Factor
Age plays a vital role here. With the increasing age, the women's egg diminishes. The more they age, the more is the risk of miscarriages. After crossing your 40s, if you try to conceive via an IVF, you must know that it might lead to a miscarriage by a chance greater than 40 to 60% in most women.
Knowing about Pregnancy Early
Women conceiving naturally is at a higher risk of miscarriage because they get to know about their pregnancy very late in 40% of the cases. On the other hand, in the case of an IVF, knowing about the pregnancy is quite obvious, henceforth, the woman is attentive from her very first week.
Tips to lower Miscarriage chances during IVF Process
Take the proper measure beforehand to avoid any chances of miscarriage during IVF. Below are some of the useful tips to deal with it -
Hysteroscopy
Adoption of Hysteroscopy in comparison to doing the ultrasound is pretty much beneficial. It helps in finding uterine-related issues and treating them. Multiple countries are known to provide Hysteroscopy without any cost in private hospitals. Do check them before visiting the hospitals.
Take Blood Tests often
If you feel dizzy, weak, and exhausted even after doing nothing, then this may be a sign of blood clotting. You need to get your blood test done more often to get rid of any ill effects of it. Blood clotting or thickening might lead to miscarriage. Clexane, a blood thinner shall be used to treat Hughes syndrome.
Medication - Start & Stop according to your situation
A single dose of missed medicine can lead to a miscarriage. Take care of the timing of intake of medications and also remember not to take the overdose of it. Both the cases might be harmful to your body leading to miscarriage.
Choose donor eggs; if you're above 42 years
Once you reach the age of 42, the chances of miscarriage increase by 50%. The chance of giving birth without using the donor eggs isn't more than 10 to 15%. Donor eggs are useful to avoid heart issues and other body problems post IVF symptoms along with increasing the chances of giving birth. Using your eggs might also lead to chromosomal abnormalities.
Safeguard from unseen body infections
Miscarriage can also be the result of body infection. Take care of your body before and after the process of IVF to avoid such infections. Take precautions like staying away from cats and unwashed veggies as they consist of Toxoplasmosis, which leads to miscarriages.
Choose the correct progesterone
Progesterone generally helps in maintaining the pregnancy. They are available in the form of gels, pills, and injections. Progesterone is the best for avoiding miscarriages.
Conclusion
Miscarriage often seems unpredictable and uncontrollable. But, guess what - with proper remedies and few precautions before and after IVF, can work like a charm in avoiding miscarriages by 80% chance. Make sure that you stay in contact with the health specialist to avoid any miscarriage issues. From taking your diet, exercises to medications and timely health check-ups play an important role here.
References
https://www.verywellfamily.com/risk-of-miscarriage-after-in-vitro-fertilization-ivf-2371733