How can I lower my risk of miscarriage?

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The term “miscarriage” refers to the loss of a pregnancy prior to the 20th week of pregnancy. Miscarriage occurs in between 10 and 20 percent of all known pregnancies. Because many miscarriages occur so early in pregnancy, the true number is likely to be much greater than this.

Something went wrong throughout the pregnancy, as the name “miscarriage” implies. However, this is not always the case. Because the foetus is not growing as predicted, most miscarriages occur.

Although miscarriage is frequent, it doesn’t make the process any easier. Understanding what might cause a miscarriage, what increases the risk, and what medical treatment may be required will help you begin the process of emotional recovery.

Symptoms

In most pregnancies, the majority of miscarriages occur before the 12-week mark.

A miscarriage’s symptoms may include:

Spotting or bleeding in the uterus

Abdominal discomfort or lower back pain

Vaginal discharge can be either fluid or tissue.

Do not throw away any foetal tissue that has come from your vaginal discharge; instead, take it to your doctor’s office or the hospital so that it may be examined.

All pregnancies that begin with first-trimester spotting or bleeding are successful.

Causes

Problems with the genes or chromosomes

  • Because the foetus is not growing as predicted, most miscarriages occur. Miscarriages account for almost half of all pregnancies lost due to an abnormal number of chromosomes. Errors in the embryo’s division and growth are the most common cause of chromosomal abnormalities in children.
  • Chromosome abnormalities may result in:
  • An ovum that has been infected.
  • When an egg fails to develop into an embryo, it is said to be blighted.
  • Death of a foetus occurring within the womb.
  • An embryo is formed, but development is halted and the embryo dies before any signs of miscarriage appear.
  • Pregnant molars and molars in progress.
  • Both sets of chromosomes are inherited from the father in a molar pregnancy. The placenta grows abnormally in a molar pregnancy, and the foetus seldom develops.
  • When the mother’s chromosomes are still present, but the father delivers two sets of chromosomes, this is known as a partial molar pregnancy. Pregnant women who have a partly molar pregnancy are more likely to have defective placentas and malformed foetuses.
  • Pregnancies involving the molars or partial molars are not feasible options for a future mother. Pregnancy with a molar or half molar foetus might lead to placental cancer.

Obstetrical and neonatal health

  • Some pregnancies end in miscarriage as a result of the mother’s medical condition. The following are a few examples:
  • Diabetes that is not under control
  • Infections
  • Problems with hormones
  • Problems with the uterus or the cervix
  • Thyroid illness.

Everything that does not lead to miscarriage

  • A miscarriage isn’t caused by everyday actions like this:
  • High-intensity exercises like running and cycling count as exercise.
  • Sexual activity.
  • Working, as long as you don’t come into contact with any potentially dangerous substances like chemicals or radiation. If you’re concerned about work-related dangers, see your doctor.

Miscarriage Prevention Tips During Pregnancy

Miscarriages are unquestionably challenging. A spontaneous miscarriage occurs before to the 20th week of a pregnancy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it occurs in around 11% to 16% of pregnancies.

Many women have miscarriages without even realising they are pregnant, thus the actual figure might be greater.

It is possible, however, to have a healthy pregnancy and prevent miscarriage by following a few simple guidelines. Here are ten recommendations that may be of use to you.

Have Folic Acid in Your Diet

Preventing miscarriage, early delivery, anaemia, and birth abnormalities are all possible with folic acid, says the American Pregnancy Association (APA).

It aids in the creation and correct functioning of red blood cells. It also prevents low birth weight, spinal or cerebral abnormalities in the newborn. Folic acid is found in a variety of foods, including lentils, beans, broccoli, orange juice, spinach, and breakfast cereals.

Take Steps to Avoid Contracting Infections

Infections are responsible for 15% of early miscarriages and 66% of late miscarriages, according to the National Institutes of Health. It can have a profound impact on a person’s health and well-being. The most frequent side effects of a miscarriage caused by an infection are bleeding, discomfort, and anxiety about haemorrhaging. Washing your hands often, getting the flu and pneumonia vaccines, and speaking with your doctor are all ways to reduce the risk of illness.

Safe sex is a matter of common sense.

Having sex while pregnant is totally safe, according to the Mayo Clinic. The amniotic fluid that surrounds the uterus protects the foetus from damage. You can have unprotected sex in any position as long as you are comfortable. It may result in STIs or STDs, putting both you and your unborn child at danger.

Maintain a healthy weight.

During pregnancy, it’s best to keep your weight and BMI at a healthy level, and if you’re hoping to get pregnant, it’s best to begin reducing weight before you get pregnant. Obesity or overweight during pregnancy can put you and your child at risk, according to Mayo Clinic. A baby’s growth and development might be hampered if the mother is obese during pregnancy.

Eat a Well-balanced Diet

When you’re pregnant, it’s imperative that you eat a nutritious diet for both yourself and your unborn child. In addition, it reduces the risk of miscarriage and encourages the development of the unborn child. In order to avoid miscarriage, pregnant women are advised by HealthLine to stay away from mercury-rich seafood, undercooked meats and fish, caffeinated beverages, unpasteurized dairy products, dirty dishes, and processed meals.

Achieve Mastery Over Long-Term Illness

Chronic disorders like diabetes and hypertension, say the NIH, can have an impact on a woman’s pregnancy. This can lead to miscarriages, neonatal problems, stillbirths as well as restricted growth and development of the kid in the womb. Diseases such as hypertension, thyroid, and diabetes are best managed by a doctor using a combination of medication, dietary modifications, and glycemic control.

Smoking cessation

Cigarettes include tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide, all of which pose a danger to the mother and her unborn child. Miscarriage and stillbirth are both possible outcomes if a woman smokes throughout her pregnancy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (miscarriage after 20 weeks).

Say No to Alcohol

During pregnancy, there is no known safe amount of alcohol, kind of alcohol, or time of day to drink. A mother’s alcohol use during pregnancy can harm her unborn child’s brain, nervous system, and cognition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can also raise the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth.

Pregnant women who remain calm and joyful had a decreased chance of miscarriage, according to research.

People Also Search :

What week is the highest risk of miscarriage?

Early pregnancy is the most common time period for miscarriages. Around 50% of first-trimester losses are known to have underlying factors other than chromosomal abnormalities (developmental issues) in the foetus.

What foods reduce risk of miscarriage?

It has been observed that women who consume fish twice a week during pregnancy had a 30% lower chance of miscarriage. To minimise listeria poisoning, ensure that they are handled and cooked properly, and avoid mercury-heavy seafood like swordfish.

Is your first pregnancy more likely to miscarry?

MYTH: Women who have had one miscarriage are more likely to miscarry again. Despite the fact that this is not true, the idea has been around for a long time and is still widely held.

Can caffeine cause a miscarriage in early pregnancy?

In general, the answer is FALSE, although there are a few exceptions. Pregnant women’s risk of miscarriage was formerly assumed to be enhanced by even modest coffee use.