As an OB-GYN and fertility specialist, Dr. Carolina Sueldo brings valuable insights to the challenging topics of stillbirth and pregnancy loss. In a recent interview, she shared important information that can help women navigate these difficult experiences.
Key Points on Pregnancy Loss:
- Prevalence: One in four women will experience a pregnancy loss in their lifetime. This statistic helps normalize the experience and reminds us that we’re not alone.
- Common Causes:
- Genetically abnormal embryos (most common reason)
- Underlying medical issues (e.g., undiagnosed diabetes or thyroid disease)
- Structural issues with the uterus (e.g., fibroids or septum)
- In many cases, the cause remains unknown (idiopathic)
- Risk Factors:
- Maternal age (risk increases with age)
- Lifestyle factors (e.g., excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption)
- Underlying medical conditions
- Prevention and Preparation:
- Optimize general health before pregnancy
- Address any underlying medical conditions
- Take appropriate prenatal vitamins
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Testing for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss:
- Genetic testing
- Structural evaluation of the uterus
- Screening for clotting disorders
Addressing Guilt and Self-Blame:
Dr. Sueldo emphasizes that most miscarriages are due to genetic abnormalities that occur spontaneously and are not the mother’s fault. It’s crucial for women to understand that their actions typically do not cause these losses.
Stillbirth Prevention:
While there’s ongoing advocacy for stillbirth prevention, Dr. Sueldo notes that this is part of a larger conversation about improving maternal care in the United States. She stresses the importance of regular prenatal care and listening to maternal instincts.
Advice for Women Considering Pregnancy After Loss:
The most important advice Dr. Sueldo offers is to take care of yourself. This includes:
- Optimizing your physical health
- Addressing mental health and processing grief
- Developing coping strategies for anxiety and fear
Infertility and Pregnancy Loss:
Interestingly, women with infertility who become pregnant do not have higher rates of miscarriage beyond their general population risk. However, underlying factors contributing to infertility may increase the risk.
Dr. Sueldo reminds us that despite advances in medical technology, there’s still much we don’t understand about pregnancy and loss. It’s okay not to have all the answers, and it’s crucial for women to be kind to themselves during these challenging times.
For more information and regular updates on fertility education, you can follow Dr. Carolina Sueldo on Instagram and Facebook @DrCarolinaSueldo or check out her YouTube channel for weekly videos on fertility topics.
Remember, if you’re struggling with pregnancy loss, you’re not alone. Seek support, take care of yourself, and don’t hesitate to reach out to medical professionals for guidance.
Jennifer Senn is a Stillbirth Coach for Moms suffering after loss. She helps them let go of the blame, process their grief, and figure out what’s next for their future. You can find out more at jennifersenn.com and schedule a free support call.
