Pregnancy Miscarriage - How To Avoid It

Pregnancy miscarriage or spontaneous abortion is the loss of a pregnancy, on its own, which occurs in nearly 20% of all confirmed pregnancies. This usually occurs before 20-24 weeks of the pregnancy but it is most common during the first 12 weeks. When a pregnancy miscarriage occurs, the fetus, placenta and the amniotic sac are expelled by the body.

Causative Factors Of Pregnancy Miscarriage

The most common factor attributed to causing a pregnancy miscarriage is chromosomal abnormalities of the developing child. It could be due to genetic defects of the fetus caused by faulty egg and/or sperm. The lifestyle of the expectant mother during her pre-pregnancy days as well as during pregnancy period may also play a major role. Smoking, drug/alcohol abuse and exposure to hazardous materials can increase the risk of pregnancy miscarriage in women. Hormonal imbalances, health issues such as infections, diabetes, immune disorders, problems of the uterus or ovaries etc. can also cause pregnancy miscarriages. Women who have health problems such as diseases of heart, kidney or liver, thyroid problems etc. are at risk of a spontaneous abortion. It has been rightly said that if an expectant mother is given adequate pre pregnancy care she can greatly reduced the chances of a pregnancy miscarriage.

Symptoms Of A Pregnancy Miscarriage

Vaginal bleeding is by far the most common symptom. If you have no idea that you are pregnant and have vaginal bleeding that lasts for more than 2 weeks it is better to consult your physician as it may indicate a spontaneous abortion or some other problem that needs immediate attention. If you know you are pregnant and are bleeding it is time to call your doctor if you use up more than one sanitary pad in one hour. It may be accompanied with low back pain and contractions, and in some cases bleeding may be accompanied with clots. Women may also experience cessation of pregnancy symptoms such as tenderness in the breasts, morning sickness etc.

Types Of Pregnancy Miscarriages

There are several types of pregnancy miscarriages. An expectant mother who suffers light uterine bleeding and is found to have a closed cervix, the condition is called as a threatened miscarriage. When the expectant mother has uterine bleeding and an open cervix, the condition is referred to as an inevitable miscarriage. When the expectant mother has lost the fetus and the products of conception, it is referred to as a complete miscarriage. When the embryo dies inside the womb and the products of conception are not expelled, it is referred to as a missed miscarriage. Recurrent miscarriage occurs in some women due to any of the causes listed above. If women consult a physician before they consider getting pregnant and plan a pregnancy, exercise caution and take the necessary precautions, they can have a successful healthy pregnancy. These are a few facts about pregnancy miscarriage and a few tips on how to avoid it.