A miscarriage occurs when a fetus is lost before the 20th week of pregnancy. The rate of miscarriage in known pregnancies ranges from 10 to 20%. However, the true figure is likely to be far higher since many miscarriages occur before a pregnant woman even realizes she’s pregnant.
“Miscarriage” implies that something went awry during the pregnancy, which is not always true. But it’s not always the case. Most miscarriages are the result of an abnormal development of the fetus. Even while miscarriage is quite frequent, it doesn’t make it any less painful. Begin to recover emotionally by learning what might cause a miscarriage, as well as what raises the risk and what medical treatment may be required.
Symptoms
Prior to the 12th week of pregnancy, the vast majority of miscarriages take place. Among the warning signs and symptoms of a miscarriage are:
- Bleeding or spotting in the vagina
- Abdominal discomfort or lower back pain
- Vaginal discharge may be either fluid or tissue.
Take fetal tissue from your vagina and bring it to your doctor’s office or the hospital for analysis if you have passed it. Women who have vaginal spotting or bleeding during the first trimester of their pregnancies usually go on to deliver healthy babies.
CAUSES
Chromosomal Abnormalities
According to the March of Dimes, 70 percent of losses in the first trimester and 20 percent of miscarriages in the second trimester are caused by a genetic flaw in the foetus. To produce identical twins, the sperm and egg combine their 23 chromosomes during fertilisation. There are many moving parts in this process, and even a little hiccup might lead to a genetic or chromosomal disorder.
Trisomy 21, the most prevalent form of Down syndrome, is one example of a chromosomal abnormality that is not compatible with life. “Genetically, (development) basically ends,” says Dr. Nowacki in these circumstances.
Women above the age of 35 are more likely to experience chromosomal abnormalities-related miscarriages. As an OB-GYN at Winnie Palmer Hospital explains,
“This is because all of a woman’s eggs are there from birth, and the eggs age with her.” “Similarly, the father’s age may have a part. Miscarriage occurs at a rate of 12 to 15 percent in women under the age of 20 and doubles as a woman reaches the age of 40. The only way to avoid a miscarriage caused by a chromosomal anomaly is to prepare for it, but there is little that can be done to halt one once it has begun.”
Thyroid Disorders
Infertility and recurrent miscarriages can be caused by hypothyroidism (low thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (high thyroid).
When a woman’s thyroid function is poor, her body will attempt to make up for it by generating hormones that restrict ovulation, according to the Malpani Infertility Clinic’s website.
The uterus may become unfavourable for implantation or abnormal uterine haemorrhage if the thyroid produces too many hormones, and this can interfere with estrogen’s ability to do its function.
Diabetes
In order to keep their blood sugar levels in check, women with diabetes need to work with their primary care physician or endocrinologist, according to Dr. Zobel.” High miscarriage rates and an elevated risk of serious birth abnormalities are both associated with unmanaged insulin-dependent diabetes in the first trimester.
Physical Complications
According to Dr. Nowacki, physical difficulties in the mother are a less prevalent cause of miscarriage, although they can develop as late as the second or third trimester. Here are a few illustrations:
Uterine fibroids can affect implantation or blood flow to the foetus, which can lead to miscarriage.
An extremely rare uterine abnormality is connected to miscarriage in some women, the septum.
Surgical incisions and second-term abortions can leave scar tissue in a woman’s uterus, which can interfere with an egg’s ability to implant properly and reduce blood supply to the placenta.
Before becoming pregnant, a doctor can use specialist X-rays to check for uterine problems. It is possible to lower the risk of miscarriage by treating the majority of instances.
Blood Clotting Disorders
If you have Factor V Leiden, you are more likely to have a miscarriage than if you have physical defects. As Dr. Nowacki points out, “Blood coagulation problems” aren’t as frequent as the other possible causes.
Hormonal Imbalances
Progesterone, a hormone essential to the uterine lining’s ability to sustain the growing foetus and the development of the placenta, may be deficient in the bodies of certain pregnant women.
Dr. Jonathan Schaffir, an associate professor of OB/GYN at the Ohio State University College of Medicine, says, “Because this isn’t very prevalent, we normally wouldn’t test it until a lady had several miscarriages.” It’s possible that taking medication will increase your chances of getting pregnant again in the future.
Using Drugs, Alcohol or Tobacco During Pregnancy
Early miscarriage and pregnancy loss in later trimesters have been linked to several lifestyle behaviours, such as drug misuse, alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and smoking. Improving your health in the months leading up to your pregnancy may lessen your chance of losing your baby.
Immunological Disorders and Chronic Illness
If you’ve had several miscarriages, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists believes that certain autoimmune illnesses may be to blame. According to Dr. Nowacki, the involvement of immunologic variables in miscarriage is “complex,” but she notes that “the body just doesn’t accept the pregnancy.”
Recurrent miscarriages may be caused by the presence of specific antibodies. According to Dr. Zobel, “Lupus is an autoimmune condition that might result in an elevated miscarriage risk, often due to the anti-phospholipid antibodies that these women commonly have” “These antibodies can be found in the bodies of up to 5% of women.
Recurrent miscarriage, unexplained foetal death after 10 weeks, or premature delivery before 34 weeks should be evaluated for anti-phospholipid syndrome in women who have had more than three spontaneous miscarriages in the past. If you have these antibodies, there’s nothing you can do about it. Treatments are available to lower the risk of miscarriage and pregnancy loss if they are present.”
Having a high rate of recurrent miscarriages is also associated with heart disease, renal disease, or liver disease. If you have a long-term medical issue, look for an obstetrician who has dealt with women in your situation before.
People Also Search :
What triggers early miscarriage?
Pregnancy loss occurs for several reasons. Premature development of the embryo is to blame for around half of all early miscarriages. Chromosome abnormalities are frequently to blame for this. DNA (genetic material) is housed in chromosomes, which are found in every cell of the body.
What week is the highest risk of miscarriage?
Early pregnancy (defined as the first 12 weeks of pregnancy) is the most common time for miscarriages to occur. Around 50% of first-trimester losses are known to have underlying factors other than chromosomal abnormalities (developmental issues) in the foetus.
Can a sperm cause miscarriage?
Dr. Gavin Sacks, an obstetrician and researcher at IVF Australia, claims that poor sperm quality is to blame for 6 percent of miscarriages. However, he believes that there are several circumstances that contribute to the loss of a pregnancy.
What should I do to avoid miscarriage?
- You should begin taking 400 mcg of folic acid daily at least one to two months before to becoming pregnant, if you can manage it.
- Maintaining a regular exercise regimen is important for overall health.
- Consume nutritious foods that are well-balanced.
- Reduce tension.
- Stay within typical ranges when it comes to your weight.
- Stay away from secondhand smoke and avoid smoking.
