Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL)

Up to 5% of pregnant women experience recurrent pregnancy loss, described as two or more failed pregnancies. At Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine in Portland, Oregon, naturopathic wellness doctor Stefani Hayes, ND, LAc, and the team can help you find the root cause of recurrent pregnancy loss and offer holistic fertility treatments to help you conceive. Schedule an appointment by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.

What is recurrent pregnancy loss?

Recurrent pregnancy loss occurs when you experience two or more failed pregnancies (miscarriages) confirmed with an ultrasound or pregnancy test. If you’ve suffered from recurrent pregnancy loss and desire to have a baby, it’s helpful to learn the underlying cause. 

About 15-20% of pregnancies end in a miscarriage. Sometimes there’s no obvious cause. The experts at Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine identify potential reasons linked to recurring pregnancy loss. Accurately diagnosing the cause is possible about 60% of the time. 

Even if the exact causes of recurrent miscarriages aren’t clear, fertility treatments at Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine can still boost your chance of getting and staying pregnant. 

What may contribute to recurrent pregnancy loss?

Possible reasons for recurrent pregnancy loss may include:

• Thin uterine lining
• Fibroids
• Uterine adhesions (scarring)
• Polyps
• Septate uterus (wall of tissue divides the uterus)
• Thyroid disease
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Hormonal imbalance
• Embryo chromosome abnormalities
• Incompetent cervix
• Recurrent implantation failure (RIF)
• Genetics
• Infections
• Problems with the sperm
• Drug use
• Smoking
• Alcohol use
• Excessive caffeine
• Obesity
• Toxin exposure

Recurrent pregnancy loss could stem from genetics, your environment, or both.

How is recurrent pregnancy loss evaluated?

The Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine team completes a comprehensive medical evaluation to learn what may be causing recurrent pregnancy loss. They discuss your lifestyle habits, medical history, medications, and symptoms.

You and your partner may complete diagnostic tests, such as blood testing, a diagnostic ultrasound, a biopsy, genetic testing, or a sperm analysis.

How is recurrent pregnancy loss treated?

Examples of treatments for recurrent pregnancy loss include:

• Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
• In vitro fertilization (IVF)
• Fertility platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
• Hormone treatments
• Gynecological procedures 
• Medication changes
• Dietary supplements
• Healthy lifestyle (diet, sleep, exercise, etc.)
• Stress management
• Smoking cessation  
• Avoiding alcohol
• Acupuncture
• Stress management
• Chronic disease management
• Medical weight management
• Chinese medicine
• Moxibustion
• Maya abdominal therapy

Follow up with the Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine experts to ensure your treatment is effective. They take a holistic approach to customizing a plan, offering high fertility success rates.

If you’ve suffered from recurrent pregnancy loss and desire to conceive, schedule a comprehensive evaluation at Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine by phone or request one online today.