EAGLE MOUNTAIN, Utah – A new study could offer hope for women who suffer from multiple miscarriages.
Scientists say miscarriages could be caused from lack of stem cells in the womb lining.
Brittany Law is the proud mother of three girls. But along the way, she suffered losses: two still born babies and three miscarriages.
“There’s really no way to describe it, the feeling of helplessness,” Law said. “When you have a miscarriage, you question everything that you’ve done, did I eat something? Did I forget to take my prenatal vitamins? Did I sleep funny?”
According to the study posted in Science Daily, 15-25 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage. One in 100 women trying to conceive suffer three or more consecutive miscarriages.
Findings from the study could explain why. Scientists point to a lack of stem cells in the womb lining.
“It’s very exciting and it’s something we really hope down the road is going to lead us to more therapeutic modalities,” said Erica Johnstone with the Utah Center for Reproductive Medicine at the University of Utah.
Scientists looked at tissue samples from women who had multiple miscarriages. They also discovered lack of stem cells sped up the aging of the womb.
“The lining of the uterus is supposed to regenerate every month,” Johnstone said.
Researchers plan to develop new interventions this spring. They’ll also look at improving screening tests for women at risk of multiple miscarriages.
While the breakthrough may be too late for Law, scientists are optimistic other women could benefit.
“We’ve decided enough is enough, we’re going to take our three kids and run. Be grateful we have the three that we have,” Law said.
