Miscarriage is a profound, heartbreaking loss for expectant parents. While many miscarriages are due to chance events, recurrent pregnancy loss can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical factor, such as autoimmune disease.
At Center for Multisystem Disease in Denver, Colorado, Jill Schofield, MD, specializes in diagnosing and managing conditions like antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), thyroid disease, and celiac disease, which can be linked to miscarriage. She helps patients explore these connections and develop a plan for future pregnancies.
Could there be a link between your pregnancy loss and one of these complex disorders? Here’s what a miscarriage may be telling you about your body and how to find the support you need.
Certain conditions cause the body’s immune system to turn against it, attacking healthy tissues. In some cases, these autoimmune disorders can interfere with the conditions necessary for a successful pregnancy and increase the risk of miscarriage. Here are some key examples:
APS causes the body to produce abnormal antibodies that attack phospholipids, a type of fat found in cell membranes. These antibodies can increase the risk of blood clots, interfering with the blood supply to the placenta.
Over 80% of miscarriages occur in the first trimester of pregnancy, including those due to complications from APS. However, pregnancy loss during the second and third trimester, while less common overall, is often associated with APS.
Beyond miscarriage, APS can increase the likelihood of problems with fetal growth and development, premature birth, and preeclampsia, which is a dangerous rise in blood pressure during pregnancy.
The thyroid gland plays an important role in regulating metabolism, and thyroid hormones are essential for a healthy pregnancy. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition that causes hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid.
The hormonal imbalance caused by an underactive thyroid can create challenges during pregnancy, increasing the risk of complications like preeclampsia, anemia, placental abruption, and miscarriage.
When people with celiac disease consume gluten — a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye — their immune system attacks the small intestine, interfering with nutrient absorption. This can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies that affect your fertility and ability to maintain a healthy pregnancy.
A gluten-free diet is crucial for managing celiac disease, and it’s particularly important before and during pregnancy to minimize the risk of serious complications. Research indicates that controlling celiac disease postpartum can be beneficial for breastfeeding.
If you’ve experienced recurrent pregnancy loss, it’s natural to want answers. Pinpointing the cause can be a complex process, and it typically starts with an in-depth review of your medical history.
Dr. Schofield asks detailed questions about your overall health, previous pregnancies, and any family history of miscarriage or autoimmune disorders. She may also recommend blood tests for certain markers, such as:
Open communication is key — don’t hesitate to ask questions and bring up any concerns you may have during the diagnostic process. Schofield believes in a collaborative approach to managing chronic illness.
Getting your autoimmune disorder under control can improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy, especially for women who’ve had multiple miscarriages. Regular monitoring allows for adjustments in treatment as needed, helping to create a more supportive environment for fetal growth and development.
For APS, this may involve medications to prevent blood clots and improve blood flow to the placenta. For thyroid disease, it could mean carefully regulating hormone levels. By actively managing these conditions and staying in close communication with Dr. Schofield and the rest of your medical team, you can increase your chances of a positive outcome.
Concerned about recurrent pregnancy loss or autoimmune disorders affecting your fertility? Contact Center for Multisystem Disease today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Schofield.
