Princess Masako Has Miscarriage: Imperial Agency
Friday, December 31, 1999
TOKYO (Nikkei)--Crown Princess Masako, 36, was diagnosed as having had a miscarriage, the Imperial Household Agency announced late Thursday.
"Ultrasound tests concluded that Princess Masako had a miscarriage, and she underwent surgery," said Kiyoshi Furukawa, head of the Crown Prince's Household, at a press conference. She was about seven weeks pregnant, according to Furukawa.
The agency said that she is in good condition but will stay in the hospital overnight. She will also refrain from attending official duties for a while and rest quietly in the palace.
The princess was admitted to the hospital at about 3:45 p.m. to receive ultrasound and other tests to confirm whether or not she was pregnant.
As for the diagnosis, the princess' doctor, who attended the press conference, said he could not detect a heartbeat in the fetus.
As for the chances of the princess getting pregnant again, he said: "It is very possible, but it is a different question." The doctor said any pregnancy has a 10% to 15% chance of ending in miscarriage, and the princess' next pregnancy will have the same risk.
Princess Masako, who had reportedly shown signs of pregnancy, received a first round of tests on Dec. 13. Following the tests, the agency said doctors could not confirm her pregnancy.
On Emperor Akihito's birthday on Dec. 23, the princess appeared on the palace balcony with other members of the imperial family. But she has been skipping other duties and refraining from sports activities.
(The Nihon Keizai Shimbun Friday edition)
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