Miscarriage is one of the biggest fears of any expecting couple. There are some causes of miscarriage that you cannot avoid, but some can be controlled if you know how to take care of yourself.
Unavoidable causes
Genetics
If your or your child’s chromosomal (the material that carries your genetic makeup) has a mutation, you are at risk of miscarriage. Up to 70 percent of first trimester miscarriages and 20 percent of second-trimester miscarriages occur because of a glitch in the fetus’ genes.
Blood clotting
Diabetes, thyroid disease, lupus, and heart disease, as well as others like uterine infections, can cause miscarriage. These illnesses can restrict the blood flow to the uterus.
Immunological disorders
Immunological disorders (where your immune system is overactive or underactive), especially, can lead to recurrent miscarriage. Simply speaking, the body just doesn’t accept the pregnancy.
Hormone imbalance
Hormones play an extremely important role in pregnancy. For example, progesterone is important in assisting the placenta to take hold to the uterus wall. If your body doesn’t have enough progesterone, it might lead to miscarriage.
Placental and cervical problems
If there is a problem with the placement of the placenta, or if your cervix is too weak to hold the fetus, there is a risk of miscarriage. Your fetus might not get enough blood supply if there is a problem with the placenta.
Avoidable causes
Lifestyle
Having a self-destructive lifestyle can lead to miscarriage. Cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, environmental toxins can interfere with blood supply and fetal growth. If you plan to be a mother, quitting these substances is the first thing you should do to prevent miscarriage.
Despite popular believe, exercises – given the doctor’s ok – even reduces the risk of miscarriage and keeps the baby healthier (by reducing stress, aches and pains, gestational diabetes risk, and even building up stamina for labor). Of course, you are not encouraged to do heavy exercises like weight lifting, but gentle exercises like prenatal yoga can help a lot with improving your health during pregnancy.
Medicines
Some medicines can cause miscarriage. Try to avoid misoprostol, retinoids, methotrexate and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – such as ibuprofen. It is best to check with your doctor before taking any medication.
When you plan to get pregnant
At certain ages, women are more at risk of miscarriage. The age of the mother has an influence:
- In women under 30, 1 in 10 pregnancies will end in miscarriage;
- In women aged 35-39, up to 2 in 10 pregnancies will end in miscarriage;
- In women over 45, more than half of all pregnancies will end in miscarriage.
A miscarriage can be an incredibly devastating event, with long-lasting emotional repercussions, including depression, anger, fear, and guilt, but one of the most difficult aspects of a pregnancy loss is simply the complete lack of knowledge surrounding the event.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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