In most circumstances, a miscarriage cannot be avoided. When a pregnancy abruptly comes to an end in the first few weeks or months, it is referred to as a miscarriage. The term “spontaneous abortion” is also used to describe this.
Most pregnancies end in miscarriage because of causes that can’t be changed. Chromosome abnormalities and foetal development concerns are among the problems that may arise.
This happens all the time. Pregnancy miscarriages occur in around 10% of first pregnancies. Because many women miscarry before discovering they are pregnant, the true number of miscarriages may be greater.
A miscarriage cannot be prevented, but there are ways to improve your chances of having a healthy pregnancy. This may lessen the likelihood of a miscarriage by minimising the likelihood of a pregnancy coming to an early end.
What are the most common causes of miscarriage?
A miscarriage might be difficult to determine the specific reason of. In most circumstances, the miscarriage can’t be prevented because the cause is beyond your control.
In just a few cases do physicians discover a risk factor for miscarriage. A future miscarriage could be avoided if the problem is addressed.
First three months
In the first trimester, over 80% of miscarriages occur. In pregnancy, the first three months are known as the first trimester.
In the first trimester, the most common reasons of miscarriage include:
• Genetic anomalies, as well as other factors. More than half of all miscarriages in the first trimester are caused by chromosomal abnormalities in the foetus. Your body will terminate the pregnancy if it discovers damage or missing chromosomes in the baby.
• Blood clots. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a medical disease that can result in blood clots and, ultimately, the loss of a pregnancy. Preventing a miscarriage can be done with medicine in this case.
• Pregnancy ectopic. When the foetus begins to grow outside the womb, a potentially dangerous yet rare kind of pregnancy develops. A medical emergency necessitates prompt treatment for ectopic pregnancies, which cannot be spared.
• Problems with the placenta. The pregnancy may be terminated if the foetus and placenta are not compatible. Similarly, a miscarriage can be brought on by uterine abnormalities, such as an irregular shape.
Second trimester
A miscarriage between weeks 13 to 24 of pregnancy is extremely rare. There’s a good chance the cause of this is tied to the mother’s health, but that’s not a given.
Pregnancy loss can occur for a variety of reasons during the second trimester, including:
• Infection – A miscarriage can be caused by an infection in the uterus or cervix. A miscarriage might also be a result of food poisoning.
• Ongoing health issues. A woman is more likely to suffer a miscarriage if she has diabetes or high blood pressure. An increased risk exists if the disease is not treated or managed correctly.
• As a result of thyroid illness. Miscarriage is more likely in women who have thyroid problems that aren’t addressed medically.
• Conditions that are autoimmune in nature. One of the most common causes of miscarriage is Lupus.
• Uterine or cervical problems. A miscarriage might be caused by fibroids or by an improperly formed womb.
• Personality traits. The growth of a foetus can be harmed by smoking, secondhand smoke, alcohol use, and drug usage. Caffeine addiction is a real possibility for those who overindulge.
• Factors in the environment. A miscarriage can be caused by being exposed to certain substances or risks. Among these include mercury and insecticides, as well as solvents, paint thinner, and heavy metals. Pregnant women are also at greater risk of miscarriage due to air pollution.
Third trimester
A stillbirth is more usually referred to as a miscarriage at this point in the pregnancy. In the third trimester of a pregnancy, the same factors that can cause a miscarriage in the first two trimesters can also cause a pregnancy loss. However, pinpointing the specific source of the problem might be a challenge.
Complications during pregnancy are one possible example of these problems. In this case, the placenta is separated from the womb during premature labour or during labour itself.
• Malformations during pregnancy.
• One in every ten pregnancies ends in a stillbirth. Because they have a genetic or structural birth defect, they are known as Trusted Sources.
• Hypertension
• Five to eight percent of pregnancies are preeclamptic. Despite the fact that preeclampsia’s biggest dangers are to the mother, it can also cause the foetus to lose its ability to receive oxygen and nutrition.
• It’s possible that preeclampsia will turn into eclampsia, a potentially life-threatening illness for both the pregnant lady and her unborn child.
• Unmanageable levels of diabetes
• Infection – If the placenta or the foetus is infected, the pregnancy might be terminated, as well.
• Umbilical cord issues are one of the most common birth defects. Pregnancy complications might arise if the umbilical cord becomes tangled or compressed.
• Obstetrical complications
• A miscarriage might be the result of insufficient blood supply to the placenta.
Pregnancy health tips
In the majority of situations, miscarriage cannot be prevented. However, following techniques can help you increase your odds of a healthy pregnancy and perhaps minimise your risk of miscarriage.
Take folic acid
Studies have shown that daily folic acid intake of 400 micrograms (mcg) can minimise the chance of birth abnormalities, which can lead to miscarriage.
Take this B vitamin on a daily basis before trying to conceive. To reap the most advantages, it’s best to keep taking it while pregnant.
Begin living a healthy life
Stay away from risky behaviours such as:
• Smoking
• Exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke
• The use of booze
• The use of illegal drugs
• Caffeine should be limited to 300 milligrams (mg) per day.
Pregnancy health can be improved in addition to avoiding dangers, by following these tips:
• Engaging in frequent physical activity
• Ensuring that you receive enough rest
• All three trimesters should be spent following a nutritious, well-balanced diet.
Maintain a healthy body mass index
Pregnant women who are overweight, obese, or underweight have a greater risk of problems. Miscarriage is included in this.
Protect yourself from disease by following basic hygiene practices
Keep your hands clean at all times. The flu and pneumonia may readily spread, so it’s important to stay hydrated.
Check your vaccination status as well. Consult your doctor about any additional vaccines, such as a flu shot, that you might require while pregnant.
Control long-term health problems
It is important to work closely with your doctor if you have a health condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes or an autoimmune illness. When you’re expecting a child, this can help keep you from having a miscarriage.
Sex in a safe way
Some STDs might cause problems during pregnancy, and it is important to be aware of this. Before attempting to conceive, get a pregnancy test performed. Get tested right away if you think you could be pregnant.
The risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) during pregnancy can be reduced by using suitable barrier measures, including oral or anal sex, in all sexual encounters.
Can a miscarriage be stopped once it has begun?
No of what trimester you are presently in, a miscarriage can’t be stopped once it begins. If you’re experiencing the signs and symptoms of a miscarriage, it’s likely that your pregnancy is already gone.
A disease known as impending miscarriage might cause the symptoms described above. This can happen to women who aren’t yet 20 weeks along in their pregnancies. Heavy bleeding may lead you to believe that your pregnancy is over.
Pregnancy can continue even when there are indicators of an imminent miscarriage, as long as there is still a foetal heartbeat present. To avoid a complete miscarriage, you must, nevertheless, work along with your doctor.
Treatment for a possible miscarriage consists of the following:
• Bed rest
• Refraining from having sexual relations
• Any disorders that may be causing the bleeding, and therapy for those issues
• A shot of the progesterone hormone
• If your baby has Rh-positive blood and you have Rh-negative blood, an injection of Rh immunoglobulin.
People also search
What week is the highest risk of miscarriage?
Early pregnancy is the most common time period for miscarriages. Many first-trimester losses are caused by chromosomal abnormalities in the infant, however it is estimated that roughly half of these miscarriages are caused by other factors.
What foods reduce risk of miscarriage?
Pregnant women who eat fish twice a week had a 30% lower risk of miscarriage compared to those who don’t eat fish. To be safe against listeria poisoning, make sure they are handled and cooked properly. Also, steer clear of fish high in mercury, such as swordfish.
Is your first pregnancy more likely to miscarry?
During the first trimester of pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through several changes. First-trimester losses account for around 80% of all pregnancies that end in termination. After this point, losses are less common. Only 1% to 5% of second-trimester miscarriages are reported by the March of Dimes.
