Recurrent Miscarriage

Q I have already had four miscarriages. Honestly, I find it hard to believe Korean medicine could make a difference.

A. To be honest, we cannot promise that Korean medicine treatment will resolve every recurrent miscarriage. However, treating any problems found after a cause work-up with conventional medicine while also improving the uterine lining and overall condition is an approach that realistically adds to the possibility.

Q I have hypothyroidism. Is it related to recurrent miscarriage? Is Korean medicine treatment also possible?

A. Hypothyroidism (especially clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism) is one of the causes of recurrent miscarriage. Keeping thyroid hormone levels within the normal range is the top priority, and once thyroid stability is confirmed, strengthening the uterine lining and managing overall condition can be combined with Korean medicine.

Q I heard I have a structural abnormality called a uterine septum. Is it possible to treat it with Korean medicine alone, without surgery?

A. If a uterine septum (a congenital structural anomaly of the uterus) is confirmed as the cause of recurrent miscarriage, surgical correction (hysteroscopic septum resection) is recommended first. Realistically, Korean medicine treatment plays a supporting role, combined to aid uterine lining recovery and overall condition before and after surgery.

Q After recurrent miscarriage, what can I do at home to help my uterus recover?

A. Keeping the lower abdomen warm is key. Warming the lower abdomen with a heat pack, supporting circulation with foot baths, reducing cold and raw foods, and stabilizing your hormonal rhythm by going to bed before 11 p.m. are the basics of lifestyle management.

Q After recurrent miscarriage, how much exercise is okay? I heard resting too much is also not good.

A. For the first 2-4 weeks right after a miscarriage, the priority is to avoid strenuous exercise and rest sufficiently for uterine recovery. After that, starting with a 20-30 minute walk or light stretching to aid pelvic circulation is helpful, while excessive high-intensity exercise is not recommended during the uterine recovery period.

Q I am pregnant again and worried about signs of miscarriage. What are the warning signs that mean I should go to the obstetrician immediately?

A. In early pregnancy, severe abdominal pain (especially on one side), heavy bright-red bleeding, and dizziness with fainting may be signs of ectopic pregnancy or threatened miscarriage, requiring immediate emergency obstetric care. Do not wait with these symptoms; go straight to the emergency room.

Q I am pregnant now. Is it safe for the fetus to take pregnancy-securing herbal medicine?

A. As a rule, herbal medicine should not be taken on your own during pregnancy; you must inform the Korean medicine clinic of the pregnancy and have the prescription adjusted to the stage of pregnancy. Herbs verified for the purpose of securing pregnancy are carefully selected and prescribed according to the period of pregnancy.

Q I am taking aspirin and heparin for antiphospholipid syndrome. Is it okay to take herbal medicine at the same time?

A. Combining antiphospholipid syndrome medications (aspirin and heparin) with herbal medicine is possible, but you must inform both your obstetrics-gynecology clinic and the Korean medicine clinic and coordinate. Some herbs affect blood clotting, so careful adjustment is needed when designing the prescription.

Q After my third miscarriage, how long should I recover before trying for the next pregnancy?

A. For the uterus and body to recover sufficiently after a miscarriage, we recommend a recovery period of at least 3 months, and about 6 months depending on the situation. During this time, completing the cause work-up and restoring the uterine lining and overall condition lays the foundation for the next pregnancy.

Q I have had three recurrent miscarriages. Will a healthy pregnancy be possible for me in the future?

A. Even after recurrent miscarriage, in most cases the chance of success in the next pregnancy is high once the cause is found and treated or the body's condition is restored. It varies by cause, but a live-birth success rate of 60-80% has been reported after appropriate treatment.

Q I have had two miscarriages in a row. What exactly is recurrent miscarriage?

A. When two or more spontaneous miscarriages occur consecutively before 20 weeks of pregnancy, it is called recurrent (habitual) miscarriage. This is not simply bad luck but a medical condition whose cause should be investigated through testing, and evaluating both partners together is the starting point.

Q I heard chromosomal problems are why miscarriage keeps happening. If it is a chromosomal abnormality, is treatment possible?

A. Chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo are one of the most common causes of recurrent miscarriage. If the problem lies in the embryo itself, prevention is difficult, but if a structural abnormality such as a balanced translocation in a parent is confirmed, prenatal genetic counseling and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) can help select healthy embryos.

Q I still enjoy cold foods even after my miscarriage. Does this affect uterine health?

A. Cold foods and cold exposure can reduce blood flow in the lower abdomen and create conditions unfavorable for the implantation environment of the uterine lining. After recurrent miscarriage in particular, eating habits that keep the uterus warm can support recovery and preparation for the next pregnancy.

Q After repeated miscarriages, my stress and anxiety are overwhelming. Does my mental state affect miscarriage?

A. Chronic stress and anxiety can disturb the autonomic nervous system and hormonal axis, indirectly affecting uterine blood flow and the implantation environment. The psychological pain itself also deserves acknowledgment, and combining emotional support with physical recovery is helpful.

Q I am looking for a Korean medicine clinic near Dongincheon in Dong-gu, Incheon for recurrent miscarriage. What is checked at the first visit?

A. At the first visit, we ask in detail about the number of miscarriages and their gestational weeks, previous test results, menstrual patterns, and accompanying symptoms, then examine you. If possible, bringing your previous obstetric and gynecologic test reports (partner karyotype, uterine ultrasound, antiphospholipid antibodies, etc.) allows for more accurate care.

Q How can I prepare with Korean medicine before trying for the next pregnancy?

A. Allow at least a 3-month uterine recovery period after miscarriage, then reinforce Kidney deficiency and strengthen the uterine lining according to the cause work-up results. After that, we recommend a stepwise approach of monitoring the ovulation cycle and coordinating the timing of the next pregnancy attempt with the obstetrics-gynecology clinic.

Q I am pregnant again. Should I go to the Korean medicine clinic as soon as pregnancy is confirmed? How does treatment proceed?

A. If you have a history of recurrent miscarriage, it helps to inform the Korean medicine clinic and start pregnancy-securing treatment as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. The aim is to reinforce Kidney deficiency and maintain the uterine lining in early pregnancy, proceeding stepwise alongside obstetric confirmation of stability.

Q My tests show nothing wrong, yet miscarriages keep happening. Can Korean medicine really help?

A. In unexplained recurrent miscarriage, Korean medicine treatment can be expected to help improve uterine blood flow and Kidney energy and to strengthen the implantation environment, raising the chance of maintaining the next pregnancy. It is not a guarantee of pregnancy, however, and the principle is to combine it with obstetric and gynecologic care.