A miscarriage refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week of gestation. It is also known as an early pregnancy loss or spontaneous abortion. In contrast to an abortion, this occurs naturally when the fetus stops growing, and pregnancy tissue is eliminated from the body.
Types of Miscarriages
Threatened miscarriage: It occurs when your cervix closes despite vaginal bleeding and fetal heartbeats remaining detectable. Typically, the pregnancy progresses without more complications. Your doctor will constantly monitor you for the remainder of the pregnancy.
Inevitable miscarriage: As your cervix dilates, the amniotic fluid may leak, resulting in a miscarriage.
Complete miscarriage: In this, you experience vaginal bleeding and end up passing fetal tissue.
Missed miscarriage: You will remain unaware of the pregnancy loss in a missed miscarriage since you have no symptoms. A missed miscarriage can be confirmed with a prenatal ultrasound if there is no fetal heartbeat.
Recurrent miscarriage: This occurs when you experience three or more consecutive miscarriages. 1% of pregnant women suffer from this form of pregnancy loss.
Symptoms of Miscarriage
Miscarriage symptoms might differ from one individual to another. For some, it may cause painful cramping and bleeding, similar to a heavy menstrual cycle. Others may have cramps that resemble those that occur during menstruation. Interestingly, some people may not be aware of a pregnancy loss until they have a prenatal ultrasound, as the symptoms are not immediately visible.
The symptoms may include:
- Bleeding from the vagina with or without pain, including minor bleeding known as spotting.
- Pain or cramping in the pelvic region or lower back.
- Fluid or tissue comes out from the vagina.
- A rapid heartbeat.
Also Read: Women's Age & Pregnancy: Impact on Fertility & Motherhood
Common Causes of Miscarriage
Here are some common causes of a miscarriage:
Chromosomal abnormalities: The most common cause of miscarriage is chromosomal abnormalities, especially in the first trimester. It is a hereditary abnormality with the embryo's chromosomes that prevents healthy development of the fetus.
Mateal health conditions: If the mother has diabetes, thyroid illness, infections, and autoimmune disorders, it can increase the risk.
Uterine problems: It may be caused by structural disorders or anomalies, such as fibroids or a weak cervix.
Pregnancy-related infections: Infections such as STIs and food poisoning, can affect the growing fetus.
Lifestyle factors: This may include substance use, exposure to pollutants, and certain medications, which can raise the risk.
Advanced age: Advanced mateal or pateal age increases the likelihood of miscarriage owing to chromosomal abnormalities.
Other factors: These can include improper implantation, hormone abnormalities, and immune system diseases.
Also Read: What to do if pregnancy does not occur?
Risk Factors Associated with Miscarriage
Several factors increase the likelihood of miscarriage, including:
Age: If you are above the age of 35, you are more likely to miscarry than a younger person.
Past miscarriages: If you have experienced one or more pregnancy losses before, you are more likely to experience a miscarriage again.
Long-term conditions: If you have a chronic health problem, such as uncontrolled diabetes, you are more likely to miscarry.
Uterine or cervical issues: Certain uterine abnormalities or weak cervical tissues, often known as incompetent cervix, may increase the risk of a miscarriage.
Cigarettes, alcohol, caffeine, and illegal substances: Smokers have a higher risk of miscarriage than nonsmokers. Heavy coffee or alcohol consumption increases the risk and so does using illegal substances.
Weight: Being underweight or overweight has been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage.
Genetic conditions: Sometimes, a couple may be healthy but have a genetic condition. That increases the risk of miscarriage.
Also Read: Can ovarian Cyst be the cause of your infertility?
Preventive Measures to Reduce Miscarriage Risk
The majority of miscarriages result from fetal genetic disorders. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent miscarriages caused by genetic disorders. However, genetic defects are not the cause of all miscarriages. If you have experienced a miscarriage, consult with your doctor to establish the cause of the miscarriage and, if possible, plan for a future pregnancy. A healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy can help. Here are some approaches to help prevent miscarriage:
- See your doctor for preconception care while attending your prenatal appointments.
- Avoid alcohol, smoking, and drug usage.
- Take vitamin supplements as advised by your doctor.
- Limit your caffeine intake to 200 mg per day. Caffeine consumption in excess can result in miscarriage and premature birth.
- If you have a preexisting health issue, inform your doctor.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Here are some circumstances that may require a doctor’s medical advice:
Heavy bleeding: If you are bleeding so severely that you are soaking through more than one heavy flow sanitary pad every hour for two hours, get medical attention at once.
Severe abdominal pain: Severe pain that does not respond to over-the-counter pain medicines requires urgent attention.
Fever or chills: These symptoms may indicate an infection and should be evaluated immediately.
Dizziness or lightheadedness: This is a sign of blood loss and should be treated immediately.
Large clots: The passage of large blood clots may suggest a miscarriage and necessitates additional testing to determine that all tissue has been passed.
Also Read: Implantation Symptoms: Is It a Sign of Pregnancy?
Conclusion
A miscarriage is an exceptionally difficult time for soon-to-be parents. It is critical to remember that miscarriages can happen to anyone and are not always indicative of infertility. It is also important to avoid self-blame for the miscarriage and give yourself enough time to heal physically and emotionally. Take the time you need to grieve, seek assistance, and then begin preparing for a future pregnancy.
