Is There A Link Between Late Ovulation And Miscarriage?

Question:

I recently read (in "Making Babies" by Dr. Sami David) that a follicular phase that lasts more than 20 days is a problem because it means the estrogen is building up too slowly which results in deterioration in egg quality and an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities.

I recently experienced a missed miscarriage at 11 weeks. The cycle I conceived, my follicular phase was 30 days and I'm wondering if continued late ovulation could be increasing my risks of experiencing this again? Your thoughts?

J. from New York

Answer:

Hello J. from the U.S.,

I do not agree with Dr. David, and do not know where he would get that information. There is no relationship between follicular phase length and miscarriage. Most miscarriages occur because of some overt abnormality of the embryo or pregnancy, and usually are specific just to that particular pregnancy. Most patients with miscarriages will ultimately have a successful pregnancy.

Good Luck,

Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG

Executive Medical Director

The Fertility and Gynecology Center

Monterey Bay IVF Program

http://www.montereybayivf.com/

Monterey, California, U.S.A.

Twitter with me at @montereybayivf