What is a Miscarriage?
Pregnancy
Miscarriage is the loss of pregnancy before the 20th week. It may also be called early loss of pregnancy, or spontaneous abortion. Most miscarriages occur before the mother even knows she is pregnant.
What Causes a Miscarriage?
There are many reasons that a miscarriage may occur. More than half of all confirmed pregnancies that end before 13 weeks are due to chromosomal defects. Problems with the chromosomes in the fetus do not mean the mother or father is unhealthy.
Other causes that may explain a miscarriage could be:
- A temperature of 102°F or higher
- Smoking, drug use, excessive caffeine or exposure to toxic substances
- Malnutrition
- The egg does not implant into the uterine wall properly
- Age of the mother (40 yrs. or older)
- Trauma to mother, such as a car accident
- Problems with the blood supply to the placenta
- Hormonal problems, such as low levels of progesterone
- A weakened cervix
- An irregular uterus (the baby may not have enough room to grow)
The following do not cause a miscarriage:
- Having sex while pregnant
- Working outside the home (unless you work in a harmful environment)
- Light to moderate exercise
What Are the Warning Signs of Having a Miscarriage?
There are many signs and symptoms of a miscarriage. Paying close attention to your body when you are healthy may help you notice if something is not normal during your pregnancy. Listed below are a few signs that you may be having a miscarriage. If you notice any of these signs or feel concerned you are having a miscarriage, call your doctor right away.
- Mild to severe back and abdominal pain
- Vaginal bleeding that is brown or bright red
- Spotting (light bleeding) with or without cramps
- Tissue with clot-like material passing through the vagina
- Decrease in all signs of pregnancy
Who is at Risk for Having a Miscarriage?
Miscarriage occurs in 10-25% of all confirmed pregnancies. Most miscarriages happen in the first 3 months of pregnancy. Many miscarriages do not have a known cause, but there are certain people who are more at risk. There is a 25% risk of another miscarriage for women who have miscarried before.
The risk for a miscarriage also increases with age.
Age Risk of Miscarriage Under 35 years 15% 35-45 years 20-35% Over 45 years Up to 50%
Even if you are at high risk it is still possible to have a full-term pregnancy. Be sure to talk to your doctor when you are thinking about getting pregnant. You may need special care to help prevent miscarriage.
How Can I Decrease the Risk of Having a Miscarriage?
Before You Become Pregnant:
An important way to decrease your risk of a miscarriage is to be healthy before you become pregnant. This will help the baby grow in a healthy environment. Some suggestions to help you be healthy before you get pregnant include:
- Exercise regularly
- Manage stress
- Eat a healthy diet
- Keep weight at a healthy level
- Take folic acid every day
- Do not smoke, drink alcohol or use harmful drugs
If You are Pregnant:
When you find out you are pregnant, try to stay as healthy as you can. The guidelines below can help keep you and your baby healthy and can decrease your chance of a miscarriage.
- Keep your belly safe
- Do not smoke or allow others to smoke around you
- Do not drink alcohol
- Check with your doctor before taking medications
- Limit caffeine intake
- Avoid exposure to radiation, x-rays, and infectious diseases
- Avoid contact sports or activities where you could be harmed
