Early miscarriages are common, despite it being one of the most dreadful outcomes in childbearing. Studies show that about 10% of early pregnancies end as miscarriage. However, the real number may be higher as some women don’t know they are pregnant before miscarrying.
What is Miscarriage?
A miscarriage, otherwise called a spontaneous abortion, is a pregnancy that ends suddenly in the early weeks or within the first three months.
Many factors can lead to early miscarriage; however, you barely have control over any of them. Nonetheless, it is good to know the causes and potentially required treatment.
Signs of Early miscarriage.
A miscarriage usually comes with different symptoms depending on your stage of pregnancy and you can have a miscarriage without knowing that you’re pregnant.
what are the symptoms of early miscarriage?
- Mild or severe back pain
- Vaginal bleeding/ heavy spotting (Light bleeding is common. However, Brown discharge which is old blood, or bright red spotting or clots is a sign.)
- Severe cramping or abdominal pain
- Discharge of clear or pink vaginal fluids
- Passage of tissue from your vagina
If you experience these symptoms call for urgent medical attention or make sure you inform your doctor to get the appropriate testing.
What are the Causes of Miscarriage?
Miscarriage generally is not the result of what you did or didn’t do. Many factors increase your risk of miscarriage, and if you’re having recurrent miscarriages, your doctor may assist.
That being said, it is important to know that your body supplies nutrients and hormones to your growing baby, and this helps the baby grow healthily. However, many miscarriages in the first trimester happen due to abnormal development of the fetus.
Several factors are implicated in miscarriage including:
- Genetic or chromosome factors: Normally, in a developing fetus, one chromosome is contributed by the father and one by the mother. But some chromosomal abnormalities can result in miscarriage, and these include:
- Molar pregnancy: Both chromosomes are contributed by the father alone. This leaves no fetal development
- Intrauterine fetal demise: The embryo stops developing before symptoms of pregnancy become visible, leading to pregnancy loss.
- Partial molar pregnancy: The father contributes two chromosomes and the mother also contributes one.
- Blighted ovum: There is no formation of the embryo at all.
Some problems with the placenta can also cause miscarriage. More so, errors can occur due to damaged sperm cells.
Lifestyle choices and underlying conditions
Your lifestyle choices and some underlying health conditions can also trigger a miscarriage. Sexual intercourse will interfere with fetal development. Working also does not have any counter effect, unless you get exposed to radiation or harmful chemicals.
Here are some conditions that can interfere with fetus development and cause miscarriage:
- Abnormally shaped fetus
- Malnutrition, or poor diet
- Obesity
- Untreated thyroid disease
- Trauma
- Advanced maternal age
- Problems with the cervix
- Food poisoning
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Issues with hormones
- Certain medications
- Infections
How Can You Prevent Miscarriage?
You may not have full control over some miscarriages, but there are still some steps you can take to maintain healthy fetal development and prevent miscarriage, including:
- Eat a well-balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables.
- Register for prenatal care and follow up throughout your pregnancy
- Keep a healthy weight before and during your pregnancy period
- Do not consume more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day
- Avoid smoking, drugs, and alcohol during your pregnancy period
- Keep good hygiene to prevent infection, and stay away from sick people
- Take prenatal vitamins to keep you and your baby well-nourished.
A miscarriage is often sudden and unexpected. It is usually the result of chromosomal abnormality that interferes with fetal development. However, you can always implement some preventive measures to reduce the risk of having a miscarriage.
Always remember that having a miscarriage doesn’t mean you will not become pregnant again in the future. Most times, women who miscarry have healthy pregnancies afterward. But always ensure you go for checkups throughout your pregnancy period.
