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Miscarriage Investigations
What is recurrent miscarriage?
At present the definition of recurrent miscarriage is three or more miscarriages before 12 weeks in a row. Many hospitals do not offer investigations until three miscarriages have occurred, however some will investigate after two miscarriages. At Cherish-UK we believe that having two miscarriages in a row is very distressing and we are able to offer you investigations if this happens.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The following investigations are available at Cherish-UK. You may wish to have all or just some of the investigations. We can advise you at your consultation of the most appropriate investigations for you.
- Antiphospholipid Syndrome & clotting factors: Bloods are taken for Lupus Anticoagulant, Anticardiolipin Antibodies, Factor V Leiden, Protein S and Protein C levels. These blood tests need to be performed when you are not pregnant as if you are pregnant it may give a false reading.
- Genetic factors: Karyotyping bloods are taken from both partners to assess for any genetic abnormality that may cause miscarriage.
Uterine abnormality: A 2D and 3D ultrasound scan can be performed to assess for abnormalities of the uterus that may contribute to a risk of miscarriage.
There are a number of factors that may contribute to causing recurrent miscarriage.
- Age: As a woman ages her risk of miscarriage will increase. Over the age of 40 the risk of having a miscarriage may be as high as 1 in 2 pregnancies (50%)
Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) & clotting factors: APS is a condition that makes your blood more likely to clot. It is also known as ‘Hugh’s Syndrome’ or ‘Sticky Blood Syndrome’. Having blood that is more likely to clot increases your risk of having a miscarriage because there is not enough oxygen supply being delivered to the developing pregnancy.
- Genetic factors: Sometimes recurrent miscarriages can occur if one partner has a genetic abnormality in one of their chromosomes. This may not cause any problems with the parent but can cause a developing pregnancy to be affected causing miscarriage.
Uterine abnormality: Sometimes the uterus (womb) is not shaped as it should be and this may contribute to a miscarriage if the abnormality is severe.
Diabetes and thyroid problems: Diabetes and thyroid problems can increase the risk of miscarriage if they are not well controlled.
- Immune factors: There is some evidence that recurrent miscarriage may occur if there is an abnormality with the function and number of natural killer cells in the uterus.
Other risk factors: Being overweight increases the risk of miscarriage. Smoking and drinking too much caffeine can also increase the risk. Excessive alcohol intake is also harmful to a developing pregnancy and may increase the risk of miscarriage.
The following investigations are available at Cherish-UK. You may wish to have all or just some of the investigations. We can advise you at your consultation of the most appropriate investigations for you.
- Antiphospholipid Syndrome & clotting factors: Bloods are taken for Lupus Anticoagulant, Anticardiolipin Antibodies, Factor V Leiden, Protein S and Protein C levels. These blood tests need to be performed when you are not pregnant as if you are pregnant it may give a false reading.
- Genetic factors: Karyotyping bloods are taken from both partners to assess for any genetic abnormality that may cause miscarriage.
Uterine abnormality: A 2D and 3D ultrasound scan can be performed to assess for abnormalities of the uterus that may contribute to a risk of miscarriage.
Your results will be emailed to you once they are received. If a problem is found then we can advise you of the next step.
Service Pricing:
Antiphospholipid & clotting factors testing: £550.00
Additional tests may be necessary, individual prices will be discussed during the appointment. Please note these tests can only be done Monday to Wednesday and we need at least 24 hours notice to arrange these blood tests. Some of the tests need to be delivered to the laboratory within a short time frame and will require a courier at an additional cost of £100. You will be informed if this is necessary at the time of booking.
Karyotyping (per person): £600.00
Please note that some of the blood tests need to be delivered to the laboratory within a short time frame and will require a courier at an additional cost of £100. You will be informed if this is necessary at the time of booking.