A recent study is helping researchers determine the cause of many unexplained pregnancy losses. In the past, miscarriages or stillbirths were often a mystery, as gynecologists did not have a definitive explanation of what had happened. Now, however, studying more about the placenta has discovered pathological issues with it in more than 90 percent of the cases studied by researchers.
Pregnancy loss is tragic, and can be very emotional and painful. Not knowing what caused the loss can make that feeling worse, especially for women who may feel like they did something wrong to cause it. Certain placental issues are known to cause miscarriage and stillbirth, including umbilical cord dysfunction, premature separation of the placenta, and infection. The new research may help medical professionals look for additional concerns, to uncover the source of the loss.
The goal, of course, is to use that information to find ways to prevent pregnancy loss. Additionally, a secondary goal is to learn how to diagnose abnormalities that may cause placental issues. That can help women and their partners make better-informed decisions about whether to try for a child or continue a pregnancy that’s considered high-risk.
The study’s findings showed identifiable pathology could solve the mystery for about 85 percent of miscarriages and about 99 percent of stillbirths. Although it is not possible to say what caused the loss in every case, this new information will help most women who have lost a pregnancy to understand the reason.
For women who are pregnant and diagnosed with a placental issue, flagging as high risk and taking steps to reduce the chance of loss can increase peace of mind and help them have a better outcome. chance at a healthy and whole baby. More research is still needed, and additional tests need to be developed to look at the placenta more closely. As a temporary organ, it does not currently have the same types of testing and diagnostic options as other organs. But it is an important first step toward reduced, and more easily explained, pregnancy loss.
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