Overcoming Multiple Miscarriages and Medical Challenges for a Successful Pregnancy

At Saraogi Hospital’s IRIS IVF Centre, we’ve worked with many patients who face complex challenges on their fertility journey. One such case was that of a 33-year-old woman, who had a history of multiple miscarriages and medical complications. Despite facing several setbacks, including a genetic blood disorder and an incompetent cervix, we were able to help her conceive and deliver a healthy baby. Here’s how we worked together to turn her story into a successful one.

The patient, aged 33, had a difficult obstetric history. She had experienced two miscarriages, both of which occurred after she had conceived through IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) outside. Unfortunately, both pregnancies ended in the third month, but genetic testing of the miscarried tissue came back normal, offering little explanation. In addition to the miscarriages, she had undergone several unsuccessful IUI cycles and natural cycles, which further added to her frustration.

A significant part of the patient’s medical history was her diagnosis of genital tuberculosis, which we believed was a major factor in her failed attempts to conceive. To further complicate things, she had also undergone hysteroscopy and laparoscopy, revealing evidence of old infections. On top of that, both Vaishali and her husband tested positive for syphilis (VDRL positive), which added another layer of complexity to her case. Despite all these challenges, she remained hopeful and came to us seeking a solution.

When the patient came to us, we took a comprehensive approach to address all her issues. We started her on IVF injections, and her response was excellent—21 eggs were retrieved, giving us three straws of Grade A embryos, which provided a solid backup for future cycles.

Her first IVF cycle was in April 2024. She successfully conceived with the first transfer, but the pregnancy came with complications. Early in the pregnancy, Vaishali’s cervix began to open up, which is a common issue for women with a history of cervical incompetence. To address this, we decided to perform a cervical stitch after the third month to help hold the pregnancy.

However, the patient faced several challenges during her first trimester. She experienced multiple episodes of bleeding, and her blood type was A-negative, which posed a risk for blood group incompatibility between her and the baby. To prevent any potential complications, we administered injections to avoid blood mixing and further miscarriages. Despite these efforts, the pregnancy progressed only until 20 weeks, and unfortunately, she lost the twin babies due to preterm labor in the fifth month.

After the loss, we gave the patient a six-month break before moving forward. During this time, we tested her for underlying causes of her miscarriages. Our tests revealed that she was positive for Protein S deficiency, a blood clotting disorder that had not been detected before.

This condition was likely contributing to her repeated pregnancy losses, especially in the second trimester. Additionally, we identified her ongoing issue with an incompetent cervix, which made it harder for her body to carry a pregnancy to term.

Armed with this new information, we adjusted her treatment plan. In April 2025, we moved forward with another IVF cycle, now fully aware of the medical issues at hand. We treated Vaishali for her Protein S deficiency, her cervical incompetence, and her negative blood group status. This time, we were determined to give her the best possible chance.

The IVF transfer was a success. The patient conceived again, this time with a single baby. We performed a laparoscopic cerclage procedure to address her incompetent cervix. During this procedure, a stitch was placed through her abdomen using a telescope to reinforce her cervix, preventing it from opening prematurely.

With this added precaution, the pregnancy progressed smoothly for several months. However, at 26 weeks, She went into preterm labor. She was admitted immediately, and an emergency C-section was performed. The baby, a girl, was born weighing just 700 grams but let out a healthy cry right away. Due to the premature birth, the baby was transferred to a neonatal care unit in Mumbai for specialized care.

After a month in the NICU, the patient’s baby girl was completely healthy and ready to go home. The mother and baby were discharged, both doing well. This case highlights the importance of comprehensive testing, personalized care, and perseverance in the face of challenges. With the right support and medical interventions, even the most complicated cases can lead to a happy and healthy outcome.