Losing a wanted pregnancy is something no one should ever experience. Today I want to talk about a genetic test that can provide insight into why a miscarriage may have occurred.

Most early miscarriages are caused by random chromosomal differences due to normal biological processes. We often reassure patients that nothing they did or did not do caused the loss. In my experience, however, this usually doesn't provide much reassurance, and it's common for women to relive the first days/weeks of their pregnancy by researching potential things they did that caused the loss.

That's why I wanted to talk about a genetic test that can be done on fetal tissue that leaves the body after a miscarriage to detect chromosomal abnormalities. This horribly named test is called the “product of conception” (POC) test.

Although the results of these tests may provide closure, I recognize that the testing process itself may also cause additional trauma. For the tests to be performed, fetal tissue that leaves your body must be collected.

If you haven't heard of this test, it's probably because most health care providers don't consider it "clinically useful," meaning the results might not change your care or guide you. further processing. But I think it's time to stop controlling. Medical care should be trauma-informed and should not focus solely on your physical health.

This is obviously a sensitive subject. All feelings are welcome here. Some gentle reminders:
It's normal to be angry if you aren't offered this test
It’s okay if you were offered this test but couldn’t bring yourself to take the “sample”
even if the loss wasn't due to a chromosomal abnormality, it still wasn't your fault

If you have suffered a miscarriage, I am holding space for you today. Let me know what you think of this test and what else you would like to know. I will answer your questions in a second video. Follow @dnaidegc so you don't miss it.

Please take the opportunity to connect and share this video with your friends and family if you find it useful.