Common Causes Of Miscarriage

A miscarriage is described as the loss of a pregnancy before the age of viability. The foetus before the age of viability is so small that it can't survive even if the best clinical treatment is provided. In India, we think that a baby born after 24 weeks of gestation or foetal weight of 500 grammes may have some possibility of survival. Thus, when the foetus stops growing in the womb or is moved out by the uterus before 24 weeks, it is termed a miscarriage.

Many a time, the words "miscarriage" and "abortion" are normal words that are used interchangeably. An abortion is something that is done intentionally by a woman when she doesn’t want to continue with the pregnancy. Then again, a miscarriage is natural and not by a woman's decision. For the most part, one out of seven pregnancies is lost as a miscarriage. This means miscarriages are a common occurrence. They are more normal in the initial three months.

Miscarriage occurs in 10 to 20% of all known pregnancies. When we plant a seed, we expect a plant to grow. Simultaneously, we also know that it is the law of nature that all seeds don't grow. Take a step towards emotional healing by understanding what can cause a miscarriage, what increases the risk, and what medical care is required.

What are the main causes of miscarriage?

Signs and common symptoms of miscarriage include:

•         Bleeding from the vagina or spotting
•         Cramps like you feel with your period.
•         Severe stomach pain

It is a common myth that a miscarriage happens because of a woman's carelessness in eating, working, or travelling. However, some of the most common causes of miscarriage are as follows:

Abnormality in the foetus:

All male and female gametes are not normal. Pregnancy happening out of these gametes won't be normal. When these miscarried foetuses were scientifically studied, it was found that the foetuses were genetically abnormal. So it is Mother Nature's way of discarding and disallowing these pregnancies from growing further.

Medical disorders in the mother:

Uncontrolled diabetes, issues with the thyroid, and high fever in early pregnancy can prompt a miscarriage. Henceforth, it is advisable to check your wellbeing status before you plan a pregnancy. Obesity is also connected to an increased possibility of miscarriage. This is especially true when the BMI is exceptionally high.

Vitamin deficiency

A couple of studies have suggested that a lack of folic acid is linked to an increased risk of miscarriage. Vitamin supplementation is generally suggested for pregnant women and those who are planning to conceive.

Infection

Viral infections, for example, toxoplasmosis, rubella, and herpes, can lead to miscarriage. It is advised to take the vaccine for rubella prior to planning a pregnancy. Many other infections, including urinary tract infections, can also cause miscarriage.

Hormones

Lack of hormones like progesterone can lead to early miscarriage. In pregnancies achieved after treatment of infertility, specialists prescribe these medications to work on the levels of hormones in the body.

Cervical incompetence:

The mouth of the uterus (cervix) stays shut all through the nine months and opens up at the time of delivery. Once in a while, the uterus opens up too early. This leads to a miscarriage for the most part in the second trimester of pregnancy.

Multifetal pregnancies

The incidence of miscarriages among twins and trios is higher than single pregnancies.

Uterine irregularities

A few females have uteri in unusual shapes, like a bicornuate uterus. A few uteri have or develop a septum. These irregularities may lead to miscarriages.

Fibroids

Fibroids, particularly those enormous in size or those touching the lining of the uterus, can lead to a miscarriage.

Vesicular mole:

This is an uncommon complication wherein the foetus doesn't get shaped. Women with vesicular moles frequently present to a specialist with on and off bleeding. A sonography test confirms the diagnosis. The gynaecologist needs to remove this bad pregnancy tissue by surgery.

Immunological causes

The immune system mistakenly creates clots in the placenta, resulting in an unusual or poor blood supply to the embryo. These are complex conditions, but uncommon. They might cause repeated miscarriages.

Medical interventions

Interventions like amniocentesis or foetal decrease can lead to miscarriage. Obviously, this incidence is tiny.

Lifestyle:

Habits, for example, smoking, drug use, malnutrition, excessive caffeine, and exposure to radiation or toxic substances,

A few things might make you more likely than other women to have a miscarriage. These are called risk factors, and some of them might include:

•         Having had more than two miscarriages in the past,
•         At 35 years of age or more, as you grow older, your risk of having a miscarriage increases.
•         Smoking, drinking, consuming alcohol or harmful drugs. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy and need to quit, consult your doctor.
•         Exposure to harmful chemicals like solvents may increase your risk of miscarriage.

Final Words:

Remember that miscarriages can be prevented to a large extent, and one of the most important steps is to get healthy. It is important for women to exercise regularly, eat healthy habits, manage stress, keep weight within healthy limits, take folic acid daily, and above all, don't engage in drinking and smoking habits.

For more information about infertility and other women’s issues consult Harsha Hospitals at +91 7799565793 or at info@harshahospitals.co.in or go to our website for more information.