Tips to Lower Your Chances of Miscarriage after IVF

A quarter of pregnancies end in miscarriage within the first 23 weeks. Know the causes and how to reduce the risks of miscarriage after IVF.

Tips to Lower Your Chances of Miscarriage after IVF
Miscarriage after IVF - Causes & How to Reduce the Risks

Pregnancy is an amazing experience. Some women get pregnant naturally without any complications, while it may not be possible for others. They may require medical assistance such as IVF to get pregnant. However, IVF or in vitro fertilization may carry more risk of a miscarriage in comparison to miscarriage that may happen in a natural pregnancy. In a study, it was established that the risk of miscarriage for women who conceive naturally ranges from 15 to 20 percent, whereas the chances of miscarriage in women who underwent IVF and got pregnant with a single child is 22 percent and for those who carried twins, the risk of miscarriage was just 18 percent.

What are the Causes of Miscarriage After an IVF

Here are some possible causes of miscarriage in women who undergo IVF:

  • Underlying Medical Condition

Women who opt for IVF treatment may have some underlying medical condition which makes them prone to a miscarriage.

  • Age Factor

It is observed that women who consider getting an IVF tend to be older in comparison to women who conceive naturally. Older women are more likely to have a miscarriage; women between 35 to 45 years of age have 20 to 35 percent chances of a miscarriage and these increases to 50 percent in women who have crossed 45 years of age.

  • Higher Ovarian Stimulation

As per a study, women who undergo higher ovarian stimulation while undergoing various reproductive procedures are more prone to a miscarriage.

  • Lifestyle

Unhealthy habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and excessive caffeine consumption is known to increase the risk of getting a miscarriage.

Ways to Reduce the Risk of a Miscarriage after an IVF

Here are some ways that may help you reduce the risk of miscarriage after an IVF:

1. Choose the Right Progesterone

You will require a regular dosage of progesterone to support your pregnancy, which is available in the forms of pills, gels, injections or peccaries. However, it is observed taking progesterone vaginally may not only get absorbed better but it may also prevent nausea, which is usually triggered by other methods and thus reduce your chances of miscarriage.

2. Get Your TSH Levels Checked

Some studies have shown a relationship between abnormal levels of TSH in the blood and miscarriage and other problems related to conception. So, make sure you get your TSH levels checked before you opt for an IVF.

3. Get a Hysteroscopy Done

Before you opt for an IVF, it is advised that you get a hysteroscopy done. This is because various uterine problems may affect your chances of conception. Thus, getting a hysteroscopy reduces the risk of a miscarriage and improves your chances of conception.

4. Get a Thorough Blood Check-up Done

It is important that you get blood tests done to check for any blood disorders. Blood disorders such as clotting and thick blood may hamper proper blood circulation to the fetus and may increase the chances of a miscarriage. Proper medication may help you deal with various blood-related ailments.

5. Pay Heed to Your Lifestyle

It is suggested that you take care of your lifestyle before you plan for an IVF treatment. Losing weight in case you are overweight, refraining from smoking and drinking and avoiding non-prescribed medication will help in reducing your chances of miscarriage after the procedure.