Pregnant women always have the fear of a miscarriage lurking in their minds, more so if they have suffered from it previously. This article will give you some information on how to avoid a miscarriage.
A miscarriage is said to occur when the fetus gets aborted due to natural circumstances. It can take place anytime during the gestation period, however, the risk is highest during the first three months of pregnancy (first trimester). Statistics show that almost 20% of pregnancies end in a miscarriage, however, the reasons are said to be different in each woman.
Though there may be factors that cannot be controlled, there are some basic things that every mother-to-be should know about preventing a miscarriage and having a safe delivery. On that note, read the following paragraphs to understand the preventive measures of how to avoid a miscarriage.
Causes
The causes of this condition can be basically divided into two sections, one is genetic or biological problems, and the other is caused by the lifestyle of the pregnant woman. Age is said to be one of the factors that determines the occurrence of this problem. It has been observed that women over the age of 35 have a higher chance of losing the baby.
Moreover, women who suffer from diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, etc. are more susceptible to suffer from a spontaneous abortion. Sometimes, during pregnancy, women may be affected by certain infections or hormonal imbalance. Also, if the fetus has some birth defects, the pregnancy may end in the woman losing the baby.
Apart from these unalterable causes, there are other reasons, which are mainly caused due to the way of living of the mother-to-be. Improper or poor eating habits, smoking, and drinking can lead to this condition. Other reasons that can cause the natural termination of pregnancy include vigorous physical exercises, traumatic situations like accident, mental shock, etc.
Symptoms
Sometimes, women do not even come to know that they have lost their fetus, either because they would not experience any symptoms, or because they do not exactly know what the real symptoms are. Hence, it is important for every woman to have a thorough knowledge about the signs of miscarriages. The most obvious symptom is vaginal bleeding.
Though it is common to experience spotting in early pregnancy, if a pregnant woman experiences excessive bleeding, it is surely a matter of concern. One may also suffer from acute pain in the abdomen, lower back, genitals, buttocks, and thighs. It is also likely for the woman to stop having morning sickness, breast tenderness, or movement in the fetus. These are some of the pregnancy symptoms.
Precautions
In case of uncontrollable problems, there are very less chances of avoiding miscarriages if the exact cause is not found out. It would be beneficial if every woman goes for a complete medical check up when she starts planning to have a baby. This would help in finding out whether she has any disease or health problem, and if so, appropriate treatment can be given so that it does not affect the health of the baby. Other than this, there are various preventive measures that expectant mothers should take.
- It is very important to eat a nutritious and healthy diet during pregnancy. Switch foods containing too much fat with healthy food, vegetables and fruits. You doctor would help you in charting out a diet that would help you to stay fit during your pregnancy.
- Women who smoke and drink regularly should completely avoid doing so during pregnancy. Even the intake of caffeine should be limited, and it should be substituted with loads of water. However, with your doctor’s consent, you can have a cup of tea or coffee once in a while. If you are addicted to drugs, it is essential to stop taking them before conceiving, as drug consumption can also lead to losing the baby.
- Another important precaution that has to be taken is to stop doing strenuous exercises or physical activities. However, mild exercises like walking everyday would be recommended by your physician, and is also beneficial for yours and your baby’s health. It is also necessary to take an ample amount of rest.
- Follow the advice of your physician very seriously. If you observe any abnormalities during pregnancy, immediately consult your doctor to avoid further complications. Clear all the doubts that you have in your mind regarding pregnancy and childbirth with your doctor, and also remember to visit your doctor for your regular checkups so that you can know how the baby is developing.
A miscarriage is a traumatic event, however, if you experience one, it is crucial for you to consult a specialist who would assist you in coping with the situation, and also would try to find out the reason behind it. Pregnancy is surely a wonderful time and experience, and taking the necessary precautions would ensure that you have a very safe pregnancy.
Disclaimer: This HerHaleness article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
