All to-be-mothers after finding out that they are pregnant start worrying about retaining the pregnancy because early miscarriages are quite common, especially within 12 weeks of the pregnancy. They try to keep themselves from any stressful activity and try to protect themselves in every way in order to protect the growing baby. But have we really thought about what actually causes a miscarriage? There is still not sufficient information as to what causes a miscarriage and there is little that can be done to prevent one if it is on its way. But, there are a number of causes which increases the risk of undergoing a miscarriage as well as factors that do not actually have any link to a miscarriage. In this article, we will try to discuss both. Let us start with the causes first.
The Causes of Miscarriage
1. Chromosomal Problems
Sometimes a fetus may receive too many or too fewer chromosomes or sometimes during conception two chromosomes from the egg and the sperm do not line up right together which lead to a miscarriage.When the chromosomes do not line up together properly it does not mean that something is wrong with the mother or the father or that the same thing will repeat itself in the next pregnancy. Up to 70 percent of the miscarriages in the first trimester and 20 percent of the miscarriages in the second trimester are caused due to this problem.
2. Health Problems
Certain health conditions increase the chances of the mother miscarrying the fetus. These health conditions include high blood pressure, Coeliac disease,Diabetes, Kidney disease, Lupus, Thyroid gland disease, HIV, Malaria, Rubella,Chlamydia,Syphilis and Gonorrhea. These health problems are mostly those that restrict the blood flow to the uterus which increases the chances of miscarriage.
3. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
This perhaps is a very common issue that women are facing today. This is a condition in which the ovaries become enlarged and cause hormonal imbalances. Sometimes due to hormonal imbalances due to this or due to any other reason the mother’s body does not produce sufficient progesterone for the uterine lining to become thick enough for the placenta to take hold.
4. Abnormalities in the womb
Sometimes the womb is abnormally shaped or the cervix, which is the neck of the womb is weak and opens up early leading to a miscarriage. Sometimes fibroids develop in the womb leading to complications too.
5. Lifestyle choices
Women who consume 200 mg of coffee per day are at a higher risk of miscarrying the baby. The exact cause is not known but it is most probably because the placenta carries the chemicals to the fetus hindering the development of cells there. To be on the safe side, switching completely to decaf the duration of the pregnancy is recommended.
Drinking, smoking, and drug abuse have a dangerous effect on the growing cells and are poison to the fetus. It is recommended that the mother stops drinking and smoking for the duration of the pregnancy.
6. Weight may cause problems
Women with lower BMI (Body Mass Index) are at a higher risk of miscarrying. In pregnancy, too Obesity proves harmful for the baby. Those women who have a healthy weight have a greater chance of a healthy pregnancy. Contrary to the general belief, the to-be-mother does not need to eat for two, she, in fact, needs only 300 calories more than when she was pregnant and so eating healthy is recommended. This does not mean that the mummy-to-be
7. Medication to be checked by the doctor
Certain medicines are best not taken during pregnancy and it is crucial for the expecting mother to check in with the doctor to ensure that the medicines she was taking before pregnancy are okay to be taken during it too. Some of the drugs that shouldn’t be taken during pregnancy are- Retinoids, Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Methotrexate, and Antidepressants.
There are some wrong beliefs as well as to what causes a miscarriage and as we are dealing with the causes, we should deal with what does not cause pregnancy as well.
Factors not responsible for miscarriage
1. Exercise is good , not bad
Contrary to what the old cronies might go on about not being involved in a too much physical activity, experts say that exercise is really good for the mother and the baby and in fact lowers the risk of miscarriage.The best kind of exercise during pregnancy is the one which is not excessively stressful, is helpful in healthy weight gain and burns calories, keeps the mummy flexible and most importantly which prepares the body for labor and childbirth.
2. It is nobody’s fault
Most of the causes of miscarriages are due placental problems or other health problems that have been discussed above. Though it is a great blow to the mother and the family, it is completely illogical to blame the mother or someone else for it. This is a practice most prevalent in Indian superstitious families and we would like the mother to be very clearly aware of the fact that there is nothing she could have done and shouldn’t let anyone tell her otherwise.
3. Stress does not cause Miscarriage
A little stress like meeting deadlines for work or worrying about labour does not affect the fetus in any way. Though there are conflicting theories about it. Even big losses like the death of a close one and the stress that comes with it are not linked directly to it. Though, It does not mean that the mother should be unnecessarily stressed. Pregnancy is all about welcoming a little angel into your life so stay happy!
4. Bad mood is not linked to miscarriage
Hormone-induced moodiness is common during a pregnancy and no links have been found relating particularly bad mood to a miscarriage.
Miscarriage is an unfortunate event and for those who have undergone it, we cannot even begin to feel the pain or loss. But, every cloud has a silver lining and we know that in the end, everything will turn out to be for the best.We also request those that have gone through this traumatic experience , not to shut out close ones, instead, seek them out and draw on their love and care, believe us, it will help you heal a lot quicker. We wish a happy and safe Pregnancy to those expecting.