ObGyn jobs often involve many aspects of pregnancy and prenatal health. One of the most difficult parts of these jobs is helping couples that suffer from recurrent pregnancy loss. This condition is defined by the loss or end of a pregnancy before 20 weeks on three or more consecutive occasions. While spontaneous abortion (loss of a fetus) is the most common complication of pregnancy, some couples have this sad event occur multiple times. It’s estimated that the condition occurs in about 5% of all couples in the United States. Normally, the greater the number of miscarriages or spontaneous abortions a woman has had, the greater her risk for subsequent events of this nature.

The causes for recurrent pregnancy loss are many. One may be genetic errors either from the mother, the father, or both. Depending on the particular genetic mutation involved with the miscarriage or pregnancy difficulty, a couple has different options. For instance, some couples may choose to use a donor egg or sperm instead of risking a subsequent pregnancy loss, while others will want to attempt the process multiple times. If trisomy is to blame (when an extra copy of one chromosome is present), then subsequent live births are more likely. If, however, the genetic defect is via chromosome insertion, deletion, or inversion, then subsequent pregnancies may be threatened. An Ob-Gyn physician along with a genetic counselor can help couples evaluate their genetic compatibility and suggest an appropriate course of treatment.

Sometimes, maternal abnormalities in the uterus or cervix can cause repeated miscarriages. One especially common uterine malformation is a uterine septum. This condition is characterized by a uterus that appears normal on the outside but which is divided inside by something that looks like a wedge; this is a congenital malformation that the mother may not realize she has until she suffers from repeated miscarriages. In other cases, the mother may have endometrial polyps that can interfere with the implantation of an embryo or negatively affect blood supply to the lining of the uterus. Finally, a condition known as cervical insufficiency can also lead to complications. Cervical insufficiency is a ‘catch-all’ term that refers to the painless dilation of the cervix, usually in the second trimester. Although its cause is almost never determined, cervical insufficiency can result in pregnancy loss.

Medical conditions such as thyroid disease and uncontrolled diabetes can also negatively affect pregnancy outcomes. Untreated hypothyroidism in particular is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage. Infections caused by Toxoplasma gondii, Listeria monocytogenes, herpes, and cytomegalovirus are also potential causes of pregnancy loss. These types of infections or conditions like hypothyroidism can be treated by a physician to reduce their impact upon pregnancy outcomes.

Couples who experience repeated miscarriages should speak with a physician promptly, and especially if the losses occur after 12 weeks’ gestation. There are several conditions that can cause recurrent losses, as described here, and it’s important to seek care promptly so that any application remedies can be attempted.

To learn more about ObGyn jobs, visit PhysEmp.com or call 800-267-6115. View and apply to more than 200 specialties, including including hospitalist jobs, pediatrics jobs, and more.

To learn more about ObGyn jobs, visit http://PhysEmp.com or call 800-267-6115. View and apply to more than 200 specialties, including hospitalist jobs, pediatrics jobs, and many more.

Author Bio: To learn more about ObGyn jobs, visit PhysEmp.com or call 800-267-6115. View and apply to more than 200 specialties, including including hospitalist jobs, pediatrics jobs, and more.

Category: Womens Interest
Keywords: obgyn jobs, pediatrics jobs, hopsitalist jobs, recurrent pregnancy loss, miscarriage