$Unique_ID{BRK02024}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Pregnancy after a Miscarriage}
$Subject{pregnancy miscarriage birth conceiving conception embryo fetus
chromosome structure baby babies chromosomes heredity}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Pregnancy after a Miscarriage


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  I recently lost a pregnancy, early in the third month.  The doctor
just said not to worry, but I can't stop.  Does this mean that I am going to
have trouble carrying a baby in the future?  I really want a child very much
and need this information.  Please answer.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  Will you stop worrying if I say so?  Your recent loss does not mean
that future problems are inevitable.  Quite the contrary, for it is more than
likely that you will have no trouble conceiving again, and carrying the baby
to term.  Statistics reveal that at least 20 percent of all pregnancies are
lost, usually in the first three months.  Such an event is correctly labeled a
miscarriage, which is a loss of pregnancy during the first 18 weeks.  The most
common reason for a miscarriage is that there is an abnormality in the
chromosome structure in the cells of the embryo or fetus.  Chromosomes contain
the information that control heredity.  Since all the chromosomes are paired,
one from the mother's egg and the other from the father's sperm, there are
times when there is a conflict of instructions, and so the pregnancy does not
develop.  Chances of this happening again are still only 1 in 5, so put worry
aside, and don't let it get in the way of your dreams.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.