Miscarriage or spontaneous abortion is the loss of a pregnancy before 24 weeks. Miscarriages occur in 15 - 20% of all pregnancies, and most take place during the first 12 weeks. Miscarriage is where the woman has three or more miscarriages in a row. Sometimes a definite cause can be found, but often the reason for miscarrying is not known. When there has been more than one miscarriage each may have had a different cause.

For more information on the causes of miscarriage please visit the Miscarriage Association website. The Miscarriage Association produces leaflets, factsheets and audiotapes which answer the most commonly asked questions about pregnancy loss.

FertilityCare and NaproTechnology have the ability to identify couples who are at risk of miscarriage even before the first miscarriage occurs.

Our initial evaluation focuses on the woman's FertilityCare chart, together with timed hormone evaluation to assess for subtle hormonal deficiencies.

The FertilityCare System can identify:

•  Unusual bleeding patterns
•  A short luteal phase in the menstrual cycle
•  Limited cervical mucus flow

all of which are associated with Progesterone deficiency and increased likelihood of miscarriage.

Identifying and treating abnormal looking menstrual cycles increases the chances of success with treatment.

In cases where hormone evaluation is 'normal', further investigations may be requested.

It is important that the general health of the couple is taken into consideration as environmental and lifestyle factors are often very significant contributors to miscarriage. In particular excessive alcohol and cigarette smoking together with a busy stressful working environment or other lifestyle stress may be the primary reasons why a couple experience miscarriages.

The FertilityCare and NaPro Technology approach to managing miscarriage is one of searching for the underlying problem and treating whatever we find. In addition, once the couple conceive we recommend ongoing hormone support during early pregnancy.

Nearly 80% of couples will eventually have a successful outcome using this approach. Couples with a previous history of up to nine miscarriages have now had successful pregnancies using this treatment, but unfortunately it does not work for everyone. In most instances it is certainly worth a try. Treatment is safe and minimally invasive and significantly increases your chances of having a successful pregnancy.

The loss of a pregnancy, no matter how early or late, can result in grief or disappointment, which may overwhelm you. For many women the emotional healing takes longer than the physical healing.

If you need help to deal with your feelings, first talk to those closest to you.

Counselling may be an option for you and your partner to help you recover.

Remember, you may still have a good chance of having a successful pregnancy.

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