A miscarriage is the termination of a pregnancy before 23 weeks. Another name for it is sudden abortion. Miscarriages account for 10 to 20 percent of all known pregnancies. However, the actual figure is probably higher because many miscarriages take place before a woman is even aware that she is pregnant. The main cause of miscarriages is abnormal foetal development. Miscarriage is common, but it can be devastating. If you’re miscarrying, know that you’re not alone and that there are things you can do to cope with your loss.
What is Miscarriage?
If you have a miscarriage, you may have little or no warning. The most common sign of a miscarriage is vaginal bleeding with or without pain.
Call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms.
- Vaginal bleeding that gets heavier
- Severe cramps in your lower abdomen
- Passing tissue from your vagina
If you have any concerns about miscarrying, speak to your doctor. They can answer any questions you have and provide support.
There are two types of miscarriages:
1) Threatened Miscarriage: This type of miscarriage usually happens in the early stages of pregnancy. The woman may have some vaginal bleeding and cramping, but oftentimes these symptoms resolve on their own and the pregnancy continues without any further issues.
2) Inevitable Miscarriage: This type of miscarriage means that the pregnancy cannot be saved and will end in a loss no matter what medical intervention is taken. The woman will experience heavy vaginal bleeding and strong cramping pains.
How Common is Miscarriage?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, miscarriages account for about 20 percent of known pregnancies. However, the actual figure is probably higher because many early miscarriages take place before a woman is even aware that she is pregnant. The risk of miscarriage is greatest for women who are aware of their pregnancy during the first trimester.
Eighty percent of miscarriages happen in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, which is when they happen most frequently. The risk of miscarriage decreases as a pregnancy progresses, but it’s still possible to miscarry in the second or third trimester.
There are many risk factors associated with miscarrying such as age, lifestyle choices, and previous history of miscarriage. Women over 35 or those with a history of miscarriage are more prone to do so. Smoking, drinking, or abusing drugs are lifestyle factors that can raise the risk of miscarriage.
Causes of Miscarriage
While the exact cause of miscarriage is often unknown, there are several possible underlying causes, including chromosomal abnormalities, uterine problems, and infection.
Chromosomal abnormalities
Chromosomal abnormalities are thought to be one of the leading causes of miscarriage, accounting for up to 60% of all cases. These abnormalities can occur spontaneously or be passed down from either parent.
Chromosomal abnormalities are caused by problems with the chromosomes in the egg or sperm. These problems can happen during fertilization or later on in development. Most miscarriages happen because the embryo or fetus has too many or too few chromosomes. This type of abnormality is called aneuploidy. Aneuploidies are relatively common, occurring in about 50% of all miscarriages.
Uterine problems
Uterine problems, such as a weak cervix or abnormal uterine lining, are another possible cause of miscarriage. The most common uterine problem associated with miscarrying is an abnormality in the shape or size of the uterus. The uterus is where a baby grows and develops during pregnancy, and so anything that interferes with its proper development can cause a miscarriage. Uterine fibroids, for example, are non-cancerous growths that commonly occur in women of childbearing age; while they usually don’t cause any problems, they can sometimes interfere with the uterus’ ability to support a pregnancy.
Infection
Around 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, and infection is a possible cause in some cases. Infection of the genital tract is one potential cause of miscarriage, and it can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Infection during pregnancy can also lead to preterm labor, which can result in miscarriage.
Who is at Risk for Miscarriage?
While there are numerous factors that might lead to miscarriage, certain of them appear to be more common in women who miscarry. Age, smoking, alcohol use, drug use, being overweight or underweight, and the presence of certain medical diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure are among the risk factors.
Age
Age is a factor that seems to play into the likelihood of miscarrying. Women in their early twenties have a Miscarriage rate of about 15-20%. This goes up to about 25-30% for women in their late twenties and early thirties. As women get older, the chances of miscarrying go up even more. For women over the age of 35, the Miscarriage rate is about 40%.
Smoking
There are many risk factors for miscarrying, but smoking is one of the most significant. Women who smoke are more than twice as likely to miscarry as women who don’t smoke. If you’re pregnant and smoking, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health and your baby’s health. Consult your doctor for advice on safe smoking cessation strategies for you and your unborn child.
Alcohol
Pregnant women who drink more than the recommended quantity raise their risk of miscarriage. The more alcohol a woman drinks, the greater her chances of miscarrying. Even light drinking (one or two drinks per week) can slightly increase the risk of miscarrying.
So, who is most at risk for miscarrying? Women who drink alcohol during pregnancy are putting themselves and their babies at risk. To offer your baby the best chance for a healthy existence, it is essential to completely abstain from alcohol if you are pregnant or intend to get pregnant.
Illegal drugs
Illegal drugs can damage the reproductive system and cause problems with the development of the fetus. Drug use can also lead to premature birth, which increases the risk of miscarriage.
Women who are struggling with addiction should seek help from a healthcare provider or treatment center. If you’re pregnant and using illegal drugs, it’s important to get help as soon as possible to reduce the risk of miscarrying.
Prevention of Miscarriage
Despite the fact that there is no surefire strategy to stop miscarriages, there are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risk.
Eat healthy diet
A healthy diet is essential for the prevention of miscarriage. Women who eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are less likely to miscarry than women who consume a diet high in processed foods.
There are several nutrients that are especially important for pregnant women to consume in order to reduce the risk of miscarriage. One of the most crucial is folic acid, which aids in the reduction of birth abnormalities. Other nutrients that are important for pregnancy include iron, calcium, and vitamin D.
Eating a healthy diet is just one part of preventing miscarriage.
Do exercise regularly
Getting regular exercise has also been linked with a lower risk of miscarrying.
For women who are trying to prevent a miscarriage, experts recommend exercising regularly. According to studies, sedentary women are more likely to miscarry than active women.
There are many benefits to exercise, even for pregnant women. Exercise can help improve the overall health of the mother and the baby. Additionally, it can aid in lowering stress levels, which might increase the risk of miscarriage.
So, if you’re trying to prevent a miscarriage, make sure to get plenty of exercise. It can be the deciding factor for you and your infant.
Avoid risky behaviors
There are also some behaviors that should be avoided during pregnancy as they increase the risk of miscarrying.
Around 15-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, but the actual number is likely higher because many miscarry before they even know they are pregnant. While the cause of miscarriage is often unknown, there are some things women can do to reduce their risk.
One way to prevent miscarriage is by avoiding risky behaviors. This includes things like smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, and using illicit drugs. Additionally, women should be sure to get vaccinated against diseases like rubella and influenza, which can cause birth defects.
Another way to reduce the risk of miscarrying is by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Women who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of miscarrying, so it’s important to keep your weight in check.
When to Seek Help?
It’s crucial to get medical help if you experience miscarriage symptoms like heavy bleeding or excruciating cramping. These symptoms may indicate that there is a problem and you should see a doctor. Your doctor will be able to accurately diagnose you if you are unsure whether you are miscarrying or not.. Once you know what is happening, you and your doctor can decide on the best course of treatment.
Even though the majority of miscarriages occur in the first trimester, it is still possible to miscarry after the first trimester. Consult your doctor if you have any questions about your pregnancy or if you notice any strange symptoms.
If you are miscarrying, there are several options for treatment. Your physician can advise you on what is best for you, depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy and your own preferences.
Final words
A miscarriage is a tragedy for any woman and her family. It’s crucial to keep in mind that when a woman miscarries, her health should come first. There are many ways to heal after a miscarriage, both physically and emotionally. With the right support, a woman can overcome this difficult time in her life.
For many women, a miscarriage can be an emotionally devastating event. After all, it is the loss of a child. Women who miscarry often feel sadness, guilt, anger, and anxiety. Some may even experience depression.
It is important for women to understand that a miscarriage is not their fault. It is also important for them to know that they are not alone. Many women go through this difficult experience. There are support groups and counseling available to help women through this tough time.