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Cause of Miscarriage

What is a Miscarriage?

A miscarriage or a spontaneous abortion as the medical establishment refers to it is defined as the natural or spontaneous end of a pregnancy before 20 weeks gestation. After that, the loss of the foetus is called a stillbirth.

While one in four pregnancies are estimated to end in miscarriage, many go unreported as they occur too early in the pregnancy to be noticed. Indeed, some estimates have the rate of miscarriage at 50 per cent across the board as it occurs before the first period would have been missed.

More than three quarters of all miscarriages occur in the first 12 weeks.

The frequency of miscarriage also increases with age. But amid all the doom and gloom there is some good news as in most cases the next pregnancy will go to term.

What Causes a Miscarriage?

While there are many reasons why a miscarriage can occur, not all can be identified.

The main culprit lies in genetic abnormalities found in the embryo. Chromosomal abnormalities occur in more the half of all embryos miscarried in the first 13 weeks. While the incident of genetic problems increases with age, they are mostly random and have nothing to do with the parents. And the chances are they won't occur the next time around.

Another cause of early miscarriage may be progesterone deficiency or low progesterone levels in the second half of the luteal phase (menstrual cycle). In this case, medical practitioners may prescribe progesterone suplements the would be mother's hormone levels although there has yet to be a conclusive study on the merits of such supplements in preventing further miscarriages.

In the second trimester, up to 15% of miscarriages may be due to cervical problems, uterine malformation or fibrods (growths in the uterus).

Other General Causes of Miscarriage

- the foetus fails to attach itself to the uterus or attaches itself outside of the uterus.

- problems with umbilical chord.

- issues with the placenta (such as the mother's immune system rejecting it).

- uncontrolled diabetes greatly increases the risk of miscarriage (while those with controlled diabetes are not at higher risk). It is also worth noting here that diabetes may develop during pregnancy. This is known as gestational diabetes. So keeping a check on the disease is a very important both before and during gestation.

- polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is also leading risk factor as up to 50% of pregnancies in women suffering from the condition end up in miscarriage during the first trimenester.

- exposure to chemical pollutants such as household cleaning detergents can also trigger a miscarriage. Some doctors go as far as advising pregnant women to even avoid filling up their cars to avoid inhaling the toxic fumes.

- smoking, alcohol and recreational drugs. A recent study found that even one glass of wine a day may be harmful.

- too much caffeine: a recent study (January 2008) found that women who consume who consume 200 milligrams or more of caffeine a day - the amount in 10 ounces of coffee or 25 ounces of tea - may double their risk of miscarriage.

- avoid eating large fish as they can contain high levels of mercury.

- also avoid consuming soft cheeses like gorgonzola or brie.

- lose weight. Yes Obesity is fast becoming a leading cause of miscarriage  - not mention birth defects.

- eat healthily. Stacey Robert's ‘Herbs and IVF' eBook contains some very useful and up-to-minute tips for a healthy fertility diet both before and during pregnancy. To find out more click here »

- avoid stressful situations. Indeed, a recent British study found that stress can increase the risk of miscarriage.

- stay away from hot tubs.

- microwave ovens. More research is needed here too to be conclusive but the medical advice today is to stand at least 170 cm (5 feet) away from a microwave oven.

Types of Miscarriage

Bleeding during early pregnancy is the most common sign of a miscarriage. This can occur with light bleeding, a vaginal discharge, uterine cramps (period pains) or loss of pregnancy signs (such as no longer having sore nipples or morning sickness).  But none of these signs means that you have or will miscarry. They can also form part of a "threatened miscarriage" which may settle down allowing the pregnancy to continue its course. Here it is best to consult a qualified physician.

You will often know you have miscarried if you experience heavy bleeding as it corresponds to the opening of the cervix which expels all or part of the uterus' content.

It is important to note that not all of the uterus contents may have been expelled here. This is why your doctor will often recommend you have a dilatation and curettage (D & C) or vacuum aspiration operation after an incomplete miscarriage due to the risk of infection developing from tissue remaining in your uterus.

What to do during a Miscarriage?

Ring a registered physician and give a detailed description of your symptoms. Alternatively, get someone to take you to the closest hospital casualty ward packed with an overnight bag just in case. If you have no support, best to call an ambulance immediately and in no circumstance drive yourself to the hospital. Avoid drinking and eating at this point as you may need a D & C which requires an anaesthetic.

Mop up the blood with towels or sanitary pads and keep a record of how many pads or towels you go through each and every hour and how stained they are. Try and save anything you pass in a large bowl of bucket. This may prove invaluable information for you doctor to conduct further tests in order to determine why you have miscarried. You may also find the foetus and save it for burial.  

Miscarriage Emotions

You may also find some relief in reading Chapter One of ‘In Vitro Fertility Goddess' by Jodi Panayotov which deals with those post-miscarriage emotions of disbelief, anger, emptiness and sense of isolation.

To read this Free Chapter click here »

Also see:

Miscarriage Story and Multiple Miscarriage here »

Desperately Seeking Causes of Miscarriage here »

Miscarriage or Still Pregnant here »