Miscarriages can be a heartbreaking experience that affects many families, yet the exact reason behind it is often misunderstood. Have you ever wondered what causes a miscarriage? Or How to overcome it?
There are various reasons why miscarriage occurs, and most of the time it is beyond anyone’s control. In this blog, we will explore the potential causes for miscarriage, types, and some tips to prevent it in your future pregnancies. So, let’s go for a deep dive.
What Is a Miscarriage?
Miscarriage or spontaneous abortion refers to the unexpected loss of pregnancy before the 20th week of gestation. They are common, and they happen due to various causes. Most of the miscarriages occur even before a missed period, without people knowing that they were pregnant.
Globally, around 40% of women encounter miscarriage, and 80% of it takes place within the first trimester. Studies have proven that the risk of miscarriage rates beyond the 14th week is 1% or less.
Miscarriage Symptoms
So what are the symptoms of miscarriage? Though very early miscarriages (within the first two weeks) often go unnoticed, there may be some common symptoms of pregnancy loss that most women experience. The common symptoms of miscarriage include:
- Light to Heavy Bleeding
- Severe Cramps
- Belly Pain
- Weakness
- Severe Back Pain
- Fever
- Weightloss
- White-Pink Mucus
- Contractions
- Blood Clots in the Tissues
- Lack of Pregnancy signs
Miscarriage Causes
Most miscarriages occur when the fetal growth is poor. Two out of three miscarriages that happen in the first trimester are linked with either extra or missing chromosomes, which is associated with genes and their function.
This is called an anembryonic pregnancy or a blighted ovum. Some other reasons of miscarriage include:
- Infection
- Diabetes or Thyroid Disease
- Hormone Problems
- Immunity response
- Uterine Abnormalities
- Smoking
- Alcochol
- Using Drugs
- Exposure to radiation or harmful substances
- Age over 35
- Having a History of Two or More Miscarriages
- Cervical Inefficiency
Types of Miscarriages
If you are unaware, there are different types of miscarriages, including:
Chemical Pregnancy
This type of miscarriage happens before six weeks of pregnancy, where you would have a positive pregnancy test, but it would not have reflected on an ultrasound.
Threatened Miscarriage
In this type, you may experience bleeding which creates a threat of miscarriage, but your cervix might not have dilated. This means that your pregnancy is likely to continue without any problems.
Inevitable Miscarriage
This happens when you go through bleeding and cramping, and your cervix is dilated, leading to miscarriage.
Incomplete Miscarriage
This occurs when some tissue from the baby or the placenta leaves your body, and some stays in the uterus.
Complete Miscarriage
This occurs when all the pregnancy tissues leave your body, typically before the 12th week of pregnancy.
Missed Miscarriage
This is also called asymptomatic pregnancy, before the missed period, when the embryo dies or never formed, but the tissues stay inside the uterus.
Recurrent Miscarriage
This happens when you lose two or more pregnancies in a row. This happens to about 1% of couples planning for a baby.
Septic Miscarriage
This is a rare type of miscarriage, which happens due to an infection in your uterus, and can be life-threatening.
Miscarriage Diagnosis
It is utmost important to consult a doctor after a miscarriage, to understand the underlying problems and risks. So what can you expect while going for a miscarriage diagnosis?
- An ultrasound test can be done to check the presence of the fetus or the fetus’ heartbeat.
- A HCG blood test is taken to check the HCG levels. Low levels of HCG signify miscarriage.
- A pelvic examination is done to check the opening of your cervix.
In the case of recurrent miscarriages, the following diagnostic procedures are undertaken:
- Genetic testing can be done, where the fetal tissue is tested to identify the genetic abnormalities. In the same way, you and your partner’s chromosomes are tested for irregularities through karyotyping.
- Blood tests are taken to detect hormonal or autoimmune disorders, which cause miscarriages.
- Additionally, hysteroscopy and laparoscopy can be done.
Miscarriage Treatments
When all the fetal tissues are completely removed, there is no need for a medical treatment. But, if there are some fetal tissue remains, then it should be removed to prevent potential infection, heavy bleeding, and other complications.
Non Surgical Treatment
When the miscarriage takes place before the tenth week of pregnancy, you can wait to allow your body to pass the fetal tissue and other products of conception. If the doctor feels that the waiting period can increase the risk factors, medications are prescribed to expel the product out. Your doctor may suggest you for two to three days of complete bed rest uuuntil the bleeding stops.
Surgical Treatment
In the case of a dilated cervix or miscarriage that takes place after the tenth week of pregnancy, or having heavy bleeding, surgical treatments such as Dilation and Curettage (D&C) or Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) can be performed.
Tips To Prevent Miscarriage
- Consult your doctor for preconception care and attend prenatal appointments.
- Avoid intake of alcohol, smoking and other substances.
- Prescribed vitamin supplements can help in supporting pregnancy.
- Limit caffeine consumption to 100 ml per day, as high caffeine may lead to miscarriage.
- Keep your doctor informed about your underlying health condition, or undergoing any treatment procedures.
Conclusion
To sum it up, there are numerous causes for miscarriages to happen, and most of them are out of control. However, understanding things like the genetics, medical history, health issues, and other factors can help plan your next pregnancy more cautious.
Consulting a doctor after your miscarriage can help find the potential reason, and completely remove the fetal deposits. Based on the advice and lifestyle changes, overcoming this condition and planning your next pregnancy becomes easy.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Yes, there are possibilities of miscarriage after 14 weeks of pregnancy, but the chances are very low.
Yes, it is possible to overcome recurrent miscarriages, and plan for a successful pregnancy through various treatment options, and lifestyle changes. It is always recommended to consult a doctor for complete guidance for diagnosis and treatment.
