Recurrent Miscarriage
Investigating the underlying cause for recurrent miscarriage can help increase your chances of carrying a healthy pregnancy and baby.
While it can sometimes feel like a needle in a haystack, functional medicine testing and looking at your whole health and fertility journey may identify a root cause for miscarriage. The male partner is equally as important for the development of a healthy embryo.
Key Facts
- Maternal age is a major factor in miscarriage, but nutrition can still help to improve your egg quality
- High sperm DNA fragmentation is a risk factor for miscarriage, even if ICSI is used instead of IVF
- Hormonal imbalances such as a thyroid condition or PCOS can increase miscarriage risk
- An ultrasound of the uterine environment is also recommended. Structural abnormalities may increase the risk for miscarriage including fibroids, depending on their position and size
- The immune environment of the uterus must be well balanced to allow the foetus to develop safely. Advanced immune testing can help to identify inflammation or autoimmune conditions that may impact this balance
- The vaginal microbiome plays a critical role in maintaining the immune environment of the uterus
Best Test Options
Semen Analysis and DNA Fragmentation
Functional Nutritional Profile Blood Test
DUTCH Comprehensive Hormone Test
Advanced Immune Test
Vaginal Microbiome – Vaginal Ecologix
Gut Health & Microbiome – GI Ecologix
Patient Story
History
Julie attended our clinic after 2 miscarriages from natural conception and 2 failed IVF transfers. She had a history of very high NK cells which were not improving with medications from her IVF doctor. Julie also had IBS and stomach pain.
Tests
The gut microbiome test identified very low beneficial bacteria that can help to control inflammation. There was also high levels of unwanted bacteria that were associated with a high fat diet.
Plan
Julie made great progress improving her diet and reducing saturated fat intake. A tailored supplement protocol was designed to restore the bacterial balance in her gut including prebiotics and probiotics. Anti-inflammatory supplements to work via the gut were recommended to calm the immune system.
Re-test
A repeat gut microbiome test showed that the unwanted inflammatory bacterial strains had reduced significantly. However, her beneficial bacteria still needed a lot of support, some of which may have been genetic. She continued with probiotics and prebiotics into her pregnancy.
Outcome
The next IVF was successful and with some additional support through the pregnancy, the couple went on to have a healthy baby girl. Julie has since been back to the clinic for the next step of her health journey and to prepare for trying to conceive again.
“We’ve just been told the amazing news that our IVF worked and we are officially pregnant!”
