Avoiding Miscarriage: Everything You Need to Know to Feel More Confident in Pregnancy Paperback – 24 July 2006

I had 3 miscarriages, 17wks, 12wks and 9wks, and was almost at the end of trying until I got this book. It helped me realise what my problem was. After all the tests at hospitals and finally being categorised as unexplained reason for miscarriage, it turns out I needed asprin for my circulation. Dr's disagreed with the solution i found but i was adament it was going to work for me after reading this book and i had one last try in me at least. Now I'm currently 25 weeks pregnant and everything is looking perfect. My rainbow is due at Christmas.

I bought this book after suffering a miscarriage three years ago. Keen to limit this from happening again, I wanted some answers that Uk medics find difficult to provide.I have dipped in and out of this book since I bought it: I confess I haven't read it cover-to-cover but that's mainly because some of the chapters do not relate to me.The book covers what could contribute to a miscarriage and more inportantly the myths surrounding miscarriage. Each chapter opens with a case study where conributors talk candidly about their experiences of miscarriage. The salient points of these case studies are broached and discussed further during the chapter. Areas of discussion include: infections that can contirbute to miscarriage; immunological factors; chromosonal abnormality.The author points out that miscarriage can be a random factor in a pregnancy and that because the subject is largely taboo people are more intent on finding a reason where a clear explanantion does not exist. In some cases there is scope for further investigation and the book signposts you to available procedures. Sadly, the US seem to have a more progressive attitude to this immunological causes of miscarriage and, therefore, some of the procedures may not be available in the UK. The Book does highlight some warning signs that there may a specific cause and these will prove invaluable when pressing your GP for further investigation. Each chapter has a questionaire to complete and can be useful for signposting for further help.I have mentioned that I have had one miscarriage and that I am frightened of conceiving again for that reason. This book has reasurred me that recurrent miscariage is statistically rare (more than 3 times in succession). While a miscarriage can never be completely avoided the chances of conceiving a child to full term can be achievable is fertility isn't an issue. I therefore, feel more confident about trying for a baby.The book also talks about the process of miscarriage and when to get medical assistance and the importance of a support network and how the loss affects your partner.Be warned that if you have unresolved feelings related to a previous miscarriage when you may find that this book unleashes a Pandora's Box of emotions. I found this to be of enormous benefit but still felt positive about trying to conceive in the future.This review does not do the book justice. It will greatly help people who have miscarried several times and are left wondering why. The book will also provide reassurance to those who have miscarried and want to gain greater insight.

I bought this book with a little trepidation - perhaps in truth because I thought my family would think I was going overboard making such a purchase soon after my miscarriage.I can't recommend this book enough. It explains all the medical areas to look into clearly and simply. It discusses the emotional side of the issue, which is so often overlooked, in a sensitive and realistic manner. And it has very good little questionnaires which prompt you to ask self exploratory and self analytical questions, which are very enlightening and help you to work out how you are emotionally equipped to take the next step forward, as well as which questions to ask your doctor.For those in the UK, sadly there is still a lot of reticence in regular medicine to accept that blood clotting or immunological issues could play a part - so that is what is so great about this book - go and ask your doctor, push him, as it is only then that they may start to think about referring patients for, in many cases, very simple and cost effective treatment, that will save everyone a lot of heart ache hopefully (and NHS cost!) along the way.I definitely recommend this book. A great stepping stone if you then want to go on to read more technical books such as Dr Beer's "Is your body baby friendly".

As a 'recurrent miscarrier' I read two books on the subject: Miscarriage by Prof Lesley Regan and this one. Both proved invaluable in my emotional recovery and provided the knowledge to allow me more control in my subsequent healthcare. While Lesley Regan's book offered insight from a health professional's view, Avoiding Miscarriage is written by a miscarriage sufferer - someone with direct experience. Initially I hesitated to buy this book fearing it was aimed at the American market (just look at the cover!) and that it would offer me no further knowledge and little comfort. I was wrong. It is written in an informative, sensitive and easy to understand style with tools to help evaluate your own risk of further miscarriage, and useful advice to ensure support & build confidence in whichever path you choose next. I would highly recommend this little-known book to anyone who is looking for guidance on this painful & difficult subject.

I found this book very helpful and informative. I am preganant for teh first time and it took me 6 years and some expensive IVF treatment to get here so my levels of anxiety related to miscarrigae is quite exaggerated compared to a natural occouring pregnancy I guess. In any case its very helpful and gives very god advice especially on the proactive relationship with the health professionals and support network.Also what was lovely was that the author explained a bit of her story and put in the stories of other women also, which made it very sincere and heartfelt rather than just a scientific book with advice. The milestones information is also very good. If you are suffering paranoia about miscarriage this book can help you realise if you are being irrational or not.AMY