Miscarriage Causes, Types, Ways to Prevent and Treatment

Miscarriage is the most dreaded thing for an expecting mother to come in terms with. This unfortunate situation has the ability to leave a couple traumatized to the very extent. Miscarriages in modern day society is a common phenomena, which young couple remain unaware of. So, if you are planning to conceive, here is everything you need to know about miscarriages. Read on further for more details.

What Is Miscarriage?

According to medical experts, sudden loss of an embryo or foetus before 20th week of pregnancy is termed as ‘Miscarriage’. This condition is also known as spontaneous abortion. Let Us Consider Certain Facts About Miscarriage

• Most miscarriages occur due to sudden foetal death, owing to certain abnormalities
• Some causes include hormonal factors, immune factors, exposure to radiation, and illness of mother and so on
• The risk of miscarriage for women above 35 years of age is higher than younger women
• Women who already went through two miscarriages have a higher chance of another miscarriage
• Early symptoms of miscarriage include stomach cramps and little bleeding
• Alcohol, smoking and intake of certain medications constitute to miscarriage
• Women, who recently went through a miscarriage, need to undergo a dilatation and curettage (D & C) immediately after her foetal death. The procedure removes any remnants from the uterus

Types of Miscarriages:

Depending up on the stage of pregnancy, there are different types of miscarriages and women may require different types of treatment. Let us look at the different kinds of miscarriages-

1. Chemical Pregnancy:

   The disruption of a foetus that occurs at an early stage is called as chemical pregnancy, which is due to chromosomal abnormalities in the fertilized egg. The sign of chemical pregnancy is slight heavy bleeding

2. Blighted Ovum:

   Also termed as anembryonic pregnancy, the miscarriage occurs in the very early stages, even before a woman realizes her conception. After the fertilized egg attaches itself properly to the uterine wall, the embryo doesn’t develop properly. This gives rise to blighted ovum. An ultrasound performed by the doctor reveals an empty gestational sac without any heartbeat of the baby. Women suffering from this condition undergo a schedule dilation and curettage process where the cervix is opened and cleaned aptly

3. Missed Miscarriage:

   In this, the foetus dies at an early stage and the pregnancy tissue exists within a woman’s body. Women undergoing this condition may continue to experience the symptoms of pregnancy. Vaginal discharge and cramps are some symptoms of this condition

4. Threatened Miscarriage:

   Signifying vaginal bleeding, this type occurs within the 20th weeks and is accompanied by lower back pain and cramps

5. Inevitable Miscarriage:

   This type is accompanied by unexplained cramps and vaginal bleeding. Leading to cervical canal dilation, this type indicates the body is undergoing a miscarriage

6. Incomplete Abortion:

   In this, a woman experiences heavy vaginal bleeding and severe stomach pain. The woman’s cervix opens up and a small portion of foetal tissue ejects outside

7. Complete Miscarriage:

   In this, the entire pregnancy tissue gets ejected from the cervix. The common signs are heavy vaginal bleeding, stomach pain and passage of pregnancy tissue. The pain and bleeding will subside quickly

Causes Of Miscarriages Are-

1. Chromosomal Abnormalities:

   Chromosomes are the tiny structures present in each of the human cell and responsible for carrying the genes. A human body comprise of 23 pairs of chromosomes, one from the mother and another set from the father. In some cases, when the egg and sperm meet, one of the chromosomes turns out to be faulty. The resulting embryo has a chromosomal abnormality, and the pregnancy ends up in miscarriage

2. Uterine abnormalities and incompetent cervix:

   When the uterus is abnormally shaped, miscarriage will seem to take place. The weakened or incompetent cervix often leads to miscarriage. When the pregnancy reaches to the end of the first trimester, the foetus grows in size, but the incompetent cervix cannot hold the foetus in

3. Immunologic Disorders:

   This results in restricting the embryo from implanting in the uterus, leading to miscarriage

4. Untreated Illness:

   Chronic ailments like diabetes and thyroid problems are the causes of miscarriages

5. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):

   Due to PCOS, a woman’s body contains a lot of male hormone testosterone, leading to irregular ovulation and menstruation. This results in endometrial lining to mature properly, causing miscarriage

6. Bacterial infections:

   Bacterial infections inflame the lining of uterus and destroys the embryo

7. Substance abuse:

   Nicotine present in tobacco reaches the placenta and hampers the blood to reach the baby. Other than this, alcohol consumption and exposure to radiation and harmful chemicals also contribute to miscarriage

Natural Ways To Prevent Miscarriage

1. Folic acid or prenatal vitamins:

   Taking prenatal vitamins as prescribed by the doctor will help you in lowering the risk of miscarriage

2. Avoid caffeine:

   Once you get pregnant, you need to lower your caffeine intake as caffeine affects hormonal levels, leading to miscarriage

3. Exercise regularly:

   You can indulge in light exercise such as yoga, pilates and stretching. Avoid over exerting yourself

4. Eating healthy:

   Eating a healthy diet and remaining hydrated will help you in preventing a miscarriage. Fresh vegetables and fruits can be consumed after washing them thoroughly. You can also include seafood in your diet, assuring fresh quality of the same. Refrain from sugars, candies and carbonated drinks

5. No substance intake:

   This needs no introduction. It is wise to avoid smoking, drinking and taking any sort of substances whilst you are pregnant to avoid miscarriage

6. Manage stress levels:

   Keep yourself happy and healthy throughout your pregnancy and do whatever it takes you to be happy. Indulge in yoga, meditation or simply spend quality time with your loved ones and avoid any sort of stress as it will only harm your baby

These are the points that you need to note down in order to avoid a miscarriage. If unfortunately you encounter a miscarriage, or any possible signs of the same, do seek medical intervention on an immediate basis.

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