Many couples who have a miscarriage are told that the laboratory tests have shown that there is a chromosome abnormality. This sounds very serious doesn't it? It is serious and these problems can lead to the birth of a handicapped child. Usually, however, the problem is not inherent and in most cases can be overcome by changes in lifestyle. The couple can become extremely anxious unnecessarily.
First let me explain that almost all miscarriages are abnormal in some way. The pregnancy is lost because the embryo did not develop properly. The cause of this is usually because either the man or woman has been exposed to chemicals or one or other of them has a dietary deficiency or a bad habit of some type. Bad habits include not drinking enough water, taking drugs, having too much alcohol, smoking heavily and in the case of the man, exposing his testes to too much heat. Infections, both of the common flu variety and of the STD - sexually transmitted variety - can also be involved. Viruses can break chromosomes in exactly the same way as chemicals, radiation and serious dietary deficiencies.
In some rare cases the problem is ongoing and can be inherited. It is important that each case is investigated properly. The types of chromosome abnormalities that are found in miscarriages are most frequently changes in chromosome number. Changes in the structure of chromosomes can also occur but they are far less frequent than changes in number.
Most people reading this article would know that the normal number of chromosomes is 46. So how can this change?
The answer lies in the process of fertility and conception. Fertility in both the man and the woman involves a special form of cell division - called meiosis - in which the chromosome number is halved. This 'reduction' division occurs so that when the sperm fertilizes the egg, the child will have the same number of chromosomes as the parents. Half the child's chromosomes come from mother and half from father.
Sometimes this very specialized division process makes errors and one or two chromosomes end up in the wrong place. The resultant egg or sperm then has one or two extra chromosomes. Of course there is also a complementary egg or sperm that is missing those chromosomes but these cells usually die. In fact the only cells that can survive with missing chromosomes are those that miss sex chromosomes. Some miscarriages have only 45 chromosomes, including only one X chromosome and occasionally babies are born with only one X chromosome. They grow up with a special set of characteristics known as Turner's syndrome.
Fertilized eggs that result from eggs or sperm with extra chromosomes usually miscarry although those with an extra copy of one chromosome 21 might survive with Down's syndrome. However the couples that have these miscarriages or babies with extra chromosomes are themselves, usually normal. It is the conditions in their bodies at the time of creating the eggs and sperm that are the problem. These unfavorable conditions can usually be corrected by correcting the bad lifestyle unless the problem is advancing age.
From about age 35 in both men and women, cell division can be compromised. The problem lies in changes in the body that affect the function of the energy systems in the cells. Optimising all aspects of lifestyle can often overcome these problems but the effects of any poor habits will be amplified with ageing.
The other problem that can affect chromosome number is delayed ovulation. When the egg is over-ripe it can be fertilized by more than one sperm. In such cases the fertilized eggs has one or more extra sets of chromosomes and is often given the unfortunate name of a 'molar pregnancy'. Fortunately, this problem can also be overcome by correcting poor diet and lifestyle.
If you have had a pregnancy in which a chromosomes abnormality was detected but you, yourselves are normal, make sure that you take the time and effort to correct your lifestyle. You will be rewarded by feeling much healthier and hopefully also by giving birth to a healthy baby. Find about more about support for optimising lifestyle and fertility on http://www.ez-fertility.co.uk.
If a women took Fen-Phen as a weight loss suppressant, the chances of her acquiring PPH is a given. Moreover, if this same woman became pregnant, the risk to her health is even greater.
Primary pulmonary hypertension is a rare, progressive condition aggravated by the physiologic changes occurring during pregnancy and surgery. The maternal mortality rate associated with pregnancy and PPH ranges from 30 to 50%.
To preface the extent to which PPH during pregnancy can cause a host of health problems, particularly for the mother to be, here is a case study of a woman in her 30's who had PPH during pregnancy.
A 35-year-old patient with a history of hypothyroidism presented at 26 weeks, gestation with progressive exertional dyspnea and fatigue of several weeks duration. She also reported several recent syncopal episodes. Her first pregnancy was uncomplicated, and she denied prior cardiopulmonary disease, illicit drug use, or ingestion of anorexigens.
On physical examination, her vital signs were normal. However, the jugular venous distension was present (which is one of the symptoms of PPH). An echocardiogram displayed a dilated right ventricle, paradoxical septal wall motion, and normal left ventricular wall motion.
The patient was admitted to labor and delivery, and was prescribed bed rest, oxygen, diuretics, and heparin. The progression of labor was inadequate, and a cesarean section was scheduled. A bilateral tubal ligation was performed with patient consent.
Three weeks later, the patient underwent a vasodilator trial with calcium-channel blockers but did not have a favorable response; hence, she was continued on epoprostenol therapy. Presently, she has resumed an active lifestyle as a housewife and mother. Furthermore, her 2-year-old son is in good health without any developmental delays.
As a result of the maternal-fetal mortality rate that still exists, PPH specialists have concluded that contraception and early fetal termination must be considered. They observe that the maternal mortality rate is caused by the increased demands on the heart during pregnancy.
In addition, other changes include an increase in cardiac output during labor in patients receiving local anesthesia. These events place a great demand on the cardiovascular system, with the greatest incidence of mortality occurring during the first several post-operative days. Subsequently, several reports have described the use of vasodilator therapy with good outcomes.
Several factors have been implicated as potential risk factors for maternal death, including mode of delivery, type and technique of anesthesia, and manner of maternal monitoring. An important component in the successful management of PPH during pregnancy involves a team approach with an obstetrician, PPH specialist, cardiology specialist, anesthesiologist, and experienced nursing staff.
PPH during pregnancy is likely to worsen during labor and delivery, resulting in a high maternal mortality rate. Elective cesarean section may have to be performed. Moreover, there are no physical deformities or fetal growth retardation. The management of patients with PPH during pregnancy is of great importance for a successful maternal-fetal outcome.
What does this all mean? In the case of the 35 year old woman, she was lucky. She had PPH specialists and other qualified doctors who recognized the signs, treated her appropriately, delivered the baby via caesarean section, and put the woman on a proper drug regimen.
However, after reading her history, it is clear that she took Fen-Phen as a weight loss suppressant and developed PPH during pregnancy. The question then becomes, does this woman have legal recourse? Most assuredly, she does. Since Fen-Phen was taken off the shelves in 1997, law suits have been on the upswing. This is because there is a 10 year delay from the time one takes Fen-Phen to the time symptoms appear.
Unfortunately, in this woman's case, her pregnancy only complicated the matter further. She had every right in the world to contact her PPH attorney and file action against the company who produced Fen-Phen.
Fortunately, her baby did not suffer any ill effects; however, the maternal-fetal mortality rate did put her at an even higher risk. This is unacceptable for any woman about to give birth. The stress and strain is immeasurable as evidenced by the symptoms which ultimately caused the woman to need intervention.
It is imperative that women be made aware of the dangers associated with prior usage of Fen-Phen, and to abstain from taking any form of anti-depressant when pregnant. The risk of developing PPH during pregnancy is too high.
Both Judy Ford & Nick Johnson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Judy Ford has sinced written about articles on various topics from Miscarriage, Hair Care and Stress Management. Dr Judy Ford is an internationally respected geneticist who has undertaken considerable research into the ,. Judy Ford's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.
Nick Johnson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Obesity, Health and Class Action. Nick Johnson is lead counsel with Johnson Law Group. Johnson represents plaintiffs in many states and focuses on injury cases involving Fen-Phen and PPH, Paxil, Mesothelioma and Nursing Home Abuse. Call Nick Johnson at 1-888-311-5522 or visit. Nick Johnson's top article generates over 27100 views. to your Favourites.