KUSA — Monday morning 9NEWS morning anchor Core Rose announced that she and her husband Josh are expecting a baby in February 2019.
She's been sharing her journey to expand her family on a blog, and she will continue to provide updates about her pregnancy over the coming months.
You can follow her journey here: https://coreyrosetv.tumblr.com/
Corey Rose announces pregnancy
While the news is exciting, the journey to expand their family hasn't been easy. Corey has been pregnant twice before, but both pregnancies ended in miscarriages at around eight weeks.
According to the March of Dimes, about 10 to 15 out of every 100 pregnancies (about 10 to 15 percent) end in a miscarriage. Most of them happen in the first trimester before the 12th week of pregnancy. That number may be even higher, because some women who miscarry may not have known yet that they were pregnant, according to the Office on Women's Health. The Office on Women's Health is a government information website managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As women get older, miscarriages become more common. Women who are 40 years and older miscarry up to 33% of the time.
The loss of a pregnancy can be devastating, confusing, scary and heartbreaking, but it's a topic that's not often discussed. 9NEWS medical expert Dr. Comilla Sasson answered some common questions.
Why do miscarriages happen?
There are several reasons why a miscarriage may happen. About half the time, there is something abnormal with the fetus, such as a chromosomal abnormality which will not allow for it to develop normally. This is usually not related to the mother or father, but something spontaneously that happens when the egg and sperm combine to make the fetus, and it does not have the normal number of chromosomes.
Some other less common reasons are an infection, physical problems with the mother or the uterus, hormonal issues, genetic conditions, smoking/drug use, or the body’s immune response.
Is there anything a woman can do to prevent a miscarriage?
Many women feel as though they have done something wrong, but that's simply not true.
Exercising, using birth control, being stressed out, working, or having sex do not put you at higher risk for having a miscarriage. There have been some studies looking at caffeine use, and there potentially can be a link, but if you are drinking two small cups or less per day, there is no higher risk to the fetus.
Ultimately, the answer is often, there is nothing that a woman has done “wrong.” Taking the guilt out of this process is very important in moving on.
When should I go see a doctor?
Based on the statistics, a woman may experience one to two miscarriages. About one percent of women will have three or more miscarriages. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that if a woman has had three miscarriages, she and her partner should consult with a doctor to identify if there are any physical, medical or genetic issues which could be causing the multiple miscarriages.
Genetic testing can be done to look for common genetic conditions on the mother or father’s side that can cause a chromosomal abnormality. Women who have autoimmune diseases like antiphospholipid antibody, diabetes, hypothyroidism, or polycystic ovarian syndrome can be at risk.
Other issues with the uterus or hormones can also increase the chance of having a miscarriage. Ultimately, 50 to 70% of the time, even with blood tests, ultrasounds, and genetic testing, there may not be a specific cause that is found.
Where can I go to find out more information?
First, miscarriages, especially multiple miscarriages, can be heartbreaking for both individuals. Getting excited about being pregnant, and then having to endure the physically painful part of having a miscarriage, along with dealing with the mental and emotional side of this can be very difficult. It is ok to be disappointed, sad, angry, hurt, or all the above. Miscarriages are more common than many people realize. You do not need to do this alone.
- Find close friends or family that you can talk to
- Reach out to your partner. Both of you may be grieving in different ways. This is a really important time to connect. Understand that people process loss in different ways as well.
- Ask your healthcare provider if your local hospital/clinic has a support group for women who have had a miscarriage or pregnancy loss.
- Join a support group or online community
Below are resources for anyone who might have experienced a loss:
Denver Share
Website: https://www.denvershare.org/
Phone number: 720-316-9917
Denver Share is a volunteer-run non-profit that provides support for bereaved parents. The group also has locations in the Colorado Springs area.
Pregnancy After Loss Support or PALS
Pregnancy After Loss Support or PALS is a community support resource for women experiencing the confusing and conflicting emotions of grief mixed with joy during the journey through pregnancy after loss.
March of Dimes
Website: https://www.marchofdimes.org/
Phone number: 303-692-0011
Those who have experienced a pregnancy loss can share their story through the March of Dimes. The nonprofit has a Share Your Story page. Anyone is invited to share their story or join online support groups or forums.
M.E.N.D Mommies Enduring Neonatal Death
Website : https://www.mend.org/
M.E.N.D. is a Christian, non-profit organization that reaches out to families who have suffered the loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant death. Their website offers a list of resources
