Does a stillbirth increase the risk for pregnancy complications in subsequent pregnancies?

Alexander Kofinas M.D.

There is strong association between stillbirth in the first pregnancy and subsequent adverse outcomes.(ischemic placental disease, fetal distress, chorioamnionitis, extreme preterm birth, and early neonatal mortality) The etiology of such adverse outcomes is usually chronic and recurrent. Maternal and / or paternal thrombotic conditions may be responsible. The placenta should be thoroughly examined both, during pregnancy by means of ultrasound ...

Are pregnancies in patients with infertility history different than pregnancies conceived naturally?

Alexander Kofinas M.D.

There are many reasons why a couple is infertile. Although we tend to categorize infertility according to various causes (male factor, tubal factor, uterine anomalies, ovulatory dysfunction etc.), the truth is that most couples cannot be classified into any unique category. Instead, most couples suffer from multiple factors that are responsible for their fertility problems. Over the years, we have ...

Are pregnancies in patients with infertility history different than pregnancies conceived naturally?

Alexander Kofinas M.D.

There are many reasons why a couple is infertile. Although we tend to categorize infertility according to various causes (male factor, tubal factor, uterine anomalies, ovulatory dysfunction etc.), the truth is that most couples cannot be classified into any unique category. Instead, most couples suffer from multiple factors that are responsible for their fertility problems. Over the years, we have ...

I have lost 3 pregnancies. Am I considered a habitual aborter?

Alexander Kofinas M.D.

The answer is yes. Even 2 losses should be enough to trigger proper investigation in an effort to avoid subsequent losses. Also, in women older than 35, even one pregnancy loss is a good enough reason to be evaluated for possible preventable causes, since the risk for a second pregnancy loss in such women is almost 35%. This is very ...

Are pregnancies conceived by assisted reproductive technologies (ART) high-risk pregnancies by default?

Alexander Kofinas M.D.

The answer is resoundingly yes. Many years ago we realized that such pregnancies suffer from serious placental pathologies that can cause all kinds of pregnancy complications. Because of this understanding, we have developed, in conjunction with the KOFINAS FERTILITY INSTITUTE, management protocols that have increased the success rates of these pregnancies and the quality of the fetuses. Despite the fact ...

I am 9 weeks pregnant and I am bleeding. My doctor told me there is nothing we can do and I am most likely to lose the baby. Is this true?

Alexander Kofinas M.D.

This is not true. Bleeding in the first trimester was traditionally associated with pregnancy loss before the usage of ultrasound technology became prevalent. This was because bleeding was usually the first sign of a pregnancy that was already lost and not one that was in danger of being lost. Bleeding during the first trimester may be a good reason for ...

My placenta detached in the ninth month of my pregnancy and my baby died. Can this happen again? Is it safe to get pregnant again?

Alexander Kofinas M.D.

Placenta abruption (placental detachment) is a condition that occurs infrequently (1 in 300 pregnancies). However, once it happens the risk of recurrence in the next pregnancy is 20 times higher, and after two successive pregnancies with abruption the risk jumps to almost 1 in 3. This is because placenta abruption occurs in patients with some form of underlined chronic condition, ...

I am 9 weeks pregnant and have been bleeding on and off since the beginning of my pregnancy. My doctor told me that I have a Òthreatened miscarriageÓ and that there is nothing that could be done. Is this dangerous to the health of my baby?

Alexander Kofinas M.D.

It is well known that women who have recurrent vaginal bleeding during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy have an increased risk to suffer from a miscarriage. However, if the pregnancy continues past 12 weeks, then the risks of prematurity, growth failure and other adverse pregnancy outcomes are increasingly likely to happen. The risk for growth restriction and premature delivery ...

What is brain sparing?

Alexander Kofinas M.D.

Brain sparing is a physiological mechanism used by the fetus to increase delivery of oxygenated blood to the brain at the expense of other organs. Unlike fully formed adults, only three organs are of importance to the fetus: the brain, the heart, and the adrenals (glands which produce adrenaline and natural steroids). When a fetus senses that the amount of ...