
The chances of miscarriage depend on many factors like hormonal problems, maternal age, etc. This article provides information regarding the same.
During pregnancy it is very normal that you may have a fear of losing your little baby growing inside you. This fear is the reason you keep checking for bleeding or spotting every time you go to the bathroom. This is a very normal and common reaction, especially for women who have had previous miscarriages. Even women with healthy pregnancies experience light bleeding which is called implantation bleeding during early pregnancy period. This occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. However, you shouldn’t worry because every spot of blood or abdominal cramp does not always indicate spontaneous abortion.
What are the Chances?
The chances of miscarrying a baby depend on the age of the mother to some extent. Women within the standard childbearing age of 18-35 years have 10-25% risk. Women between the age of 35-45 have 20-35% risk. The chances might go up to 50% when a woman reaches the age of 46 and above. However, there are definitely many other factors that can increase the risk and reduce the likeliness of having a full-term pregnancy.
Causes
Chromosomal abnormality in the fetus is the most common cause of miscarriage during the first trimester. This abnormality hampers the growth of the fetus. Spontaneous abortions that occur in the third trimester are mostly due to illness of the mother-to-be rather than any genetic abnormalities in the baby. Women with poorly-controlled diabetes are also at a greater risk.
Some other diseases and conditions like high-blood pressure, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and certain infections like rubella (German measles), herpes simplex, and chlamydia might increase the risk of miscarrying. The risk is higher if there is some problem in the uterus or cervix. Fibroid or noncancerous growths made of uterine muscle tissue, or a weak cervix that widens too early during pregnancy without any warning signs of labor, releasing the fetus from the uterus can also lead to miscarriage. Other causes include:
- Fever over 100 ºF
- Multiple pregnancy
- Stress and trauma during pregnancy
- Drugs, smoking, or excessive caffeine intake
- Improper diet
- Exposure to toxic chemicals or radiations
- Hormonal imbalance
- Improper implantation of the egg
- Problems in the uterus or cervix
Ways to Minimize the Risk
There are a few things that you can do in order to decrease the risk of miscarrying. The most important thing is to keep yourself healthy. If your body is healthy, it will provide the best condition for your baby to grow and develop. Proper development and healthy growth of the baby is very much related to the food you consume. Therefore, maintain a healthy diet during pregnancy. A regular-exercise regimen is very essential to stay healthy or improve your health. Therefore, consult your doctor for pregnancy exercises suitable for you. These two factors will help you keep your weight under control. You can also perform some relaxing exercises like meditation or yoga to manage stress.
Keep yourself away from drugs, alcohol, smoking (including passive), and foods that are not good for your health. Eliminate the intake of caffeine, and do not indulge in any activity that can cause stress to your body. Do not engage in sports or any such strenuous activities. Never take any over-the-counter medications without consulting your doctor.
Maintain your overall health and avoid any risky situations to reduce the chances of miscarriage. Once your pregnancy is confirmed, follow your doctor’s instructions to have a safe pregnancy and childbirth. The routine blood tests, urine tests, and sonography as recommended by your doctor may help identify any problem in pregnancy.
Disclaimer: This HerHaleness article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.