Strategies for Addressing Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (Virtual Symposium)-HANDOUT: 08-Mak-Physicians

HANDOUT: 08-Mak-Physicians_Role.pdf

Pdf Summary

Dr. Winifred Mak’s presentation addresses the critical role physicians play in caring for patients with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Miscarriage is often misunderstood; a 2015 US national survey revealed that 55% of respondents incorrectly believed miscarriages were uncommon, and many attributed causes such as lifestyle factors and stress rather than genetics. Among those experiencing miscarriage, emotional distress is significant, emphasizing the importance of empathy in care.<br /><br />RPL patients frequently seek answers about why losses occur, yet are often not referred to pregnancy loss specialists. Obstetricians and gynecologists are usually first providers to see these patients post-loss, highlighting the need for immediate, supportive communication. When diagnosing miscarriage, doctors should acknowledge the loss explicitly, offer emotional support without distancing, provide practical resources like a miscarriage kit, and schedule follow-up visits to discuss treatment.<br /><br />Genetic causes are notable in RPL, with recent studies (Kutteh et al., 2024) advocating for chromosomal microarray analysis of miscarriage tissue to identify abnormalities. Post-RPL pregnancies require a “Tender Loving Care” protocol to improve outcomes and address heightened anxiety and depression common in these women.<br /><br />In sum, the physician’s role includes educating to dispel misconceptions, offering compassionate care, timely genetic workup, specialist referrals, and psychological support throughout subsequent pregnancies. The goal is to meet the distinct emotional and medical needs of RPL patients, aiding in their understanding and coping while optimizing pregnancy outcomes.

Keywords

recurrent pregnancy loss

miscarriage

physician role

emotional support

genetic causes

chromosomal microarray analysis

pregnancy loss specialists

obstetricians and gynecologists

patient education

psychological support