Question Title: Recurrent Blighted Ovum, Please Help.

I am 31 years old now, I have had 3 blighted ovum pregnancies in the last 2 years, the first was in April 1997, & the last is a current one that is scheduled for D/C next week. I have had several investigations done, including TSH, prolactin, endometrial biopsy, lupus antibody, APA, bleeding studies, & everything turned out to be NORMAL. Fetal tissues were sent for chromosomal studies,for the second pregnancy, & the result was Trisomy 16; we were told that this does not repeat itself, & that most likely our next pregnancy will be normal, but wew are now AGAIN faced with another blighted ovum.
I need advice on what to do, my husband & I are healthy, we are planning to send the fetal tissues again for chromosomal analysis, & to seek genetic counseling. Please give us your advice, what else can we do, & how does our chance of having babies look now. I don't want to give up hope, but I feel helpless. Is this situation common, is it at least heard of, did anybody ever have a history like ours, & ended up having children normally, is there anything in terms of investigations that we have to do, & that might have the answers? Please give your advice.

Dear Hana:
You are going through a difficult time. There are support systems available beyond your husband, family, close friends(AMEND, RESOLVE, minister/rabbi/priest, social workers, psychologists).

Chromosomal anomalies do not recur with one expection: parents carry a balanced chromosome abnormality. Chromsome studies on the current pregnancy tissue and then on both parents may help give better counselling about the outcome of future pregnancies.

Recurrent miscarriage is a known problem. Like many areas of medicine, we have some understanding of associations, and little answer to the often asked question, "WHY?". Patients who persist are ususally rewarded with a living baby. That does not make the road or the stumbles along the way any easier.

Keywords: recurrent abortion.

This information is provided for education purposes and is not a medical consutlation. If you have specific questions, please speak with your healthcare provider.