MTHFR Support

Everybody has the gene 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, which is also known as MTHFR.

The MTHFR gene is responsible for breaking down folic acid to create folate. A lack of folate can result in some health conditions and disorders. A malfunctioning MTHFR gene can add to this risk.

A mutated or malfunctioning MTHFR gene can be tested but is not routine, and it is also not uncommon to test positive to this malfunction. A positive test can mean you are susceptible to a number of risks, including recurrent pregnancy lost and early stage miscarriages.

There is no cure for MTHFR but there are procedures, monitoring, medications and treatments that patients are able to undertake with their fertility specialist to support their pregnancy journey and reduce the risk of miscarriage, preeclampsia or your child’s genetic disorders.

At Shire IVF we work with patients who are experiencing difficulty getting or maintaining a pregnancy to understand the reasons why, this includes early testing for MTHFR mutations if symptoms align with this diagnosis, and managing treatment options around this diagnosis to support a healthy ongoing pregnancy.

Everybody has the gene 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, which is also known as MTHFR.

The MTHFR gene is responsible for breaking down folic acid to create folate. A lack of folate can result in some health conditions and disorders. A malfunctioning MTHFR gene can add to this risk.

A mutated or malfunctioning MTHFR gene can be tested but is not routine, and it is also not uncommon to test positive to this malfunction. A positive test can mean you are susceptible to a number of risks, including recurrent pregnancy lost and early stage miscarriages.

There is no cure for MTHFR but there are procedures, monitoring, medications and treatments that patients are able to undertake with their fertility specialist to support their pregnancy journey and reduce the risk of miscarriage, preeclampsia or your child’s genetic disorders.

At Shire IVF we work with patients who are experiencing difficulty getting or maintaining a pregnancy to understand the reasons why, this includes early testing for MTHFR mutations if symptoms align with this diagnosis, and managing treatment options around this diagnosis to support a healthy ongoing pregnancy.

F.A.Q’s

The positive MTHFR gene is passed down from the parents to the child. Nothing causes you to have a mutated MTHFR gene. It is simply passed on to you from your mother and father. It can however, have profound effects on the way your body processes folate, which can cause abnormalities that can be attributed to possible infertility and miscarriages.
You may be at risk if you’ve had: - recurrent pregnancy losses - had multiple miscarriages - have a family history of mutated MTHFR gene - had genetic issues with another pregnancy Dr Jessup routinely tests everyone of of her patients for the MTHFR abnormalities to give the best chances of every conception going to term
During pregnancy, women who test positive for a mutated MTHFR gene may have a higher risk for miscarriages, preeclampsia, or a baby born with birth defects, such as spina bifida.