7 different causes of miscarriage
Experiencing a miscarriage can be devastating for expectant parents. Not only can it affect a mother’s physical health but it can also emotionally exhaust both parents because of feelings of guilt, anger, sorrow, anxiety, and/or confusion. While coming to terms with such a reality, to-be mothers often blame themselves. However, it is important to know that a condition like a miscarriage can’t be prevented. Although understanding the various causes can help couples take the necessary precautions to ensure a healthy pregnancy in the future.

Continue reading further to know about the different causes of miscarriage.

Chromosomal abnormalities
The most common cause of miscarriage is a chromosomal abnormality, where there is an issue with the chromosomes of either the egg or sperm that affects the embryo formation. Some chromosomal abnormalities like trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) are strong enough to sustain a life. However, most chromosomal abnormalities are not, and they cause the fetus’ development to stop. Miscarriages because of chromosomal abnormalities are often observed in women who are aged over 35 years.

Thyroid disorders
Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause fertility problems and recurrent miscarriages. In hyperthyroidism (too high), the woman’s body produces too many hormones that affect the estrogen’s ability to keep things functional and creates a hostile environment for the fetus. On the other hand, if a woman is dealing with hypothyroidism, her body attempts to produce hormones that can suppress the ovulation process, leading to infertility.

Physical complications
Although rare, physical complications can hinder the proper implantation process in the uterus, making it tough to conceive. During pregnancy, physical complications like cervical incompetency or uterine anomalies (septum or polyps) can lead to miscarriages in the second or third trimester.

Diabetes
Pregnant women with diabetes need to work out a plan with their gynecologist or an endocrinologist to stabilize their blood sugar levels. If diabetes and its medications are not monitored well during the pregnancy, especially, in the first trimester then the chances of miscarriage can amplify or cause major birth defects. Women planning to get pregnant should, therefore, address this issue with their gynecologist so that they could have a complication-free pregnancy and childbirth.

Unhealthy lifestyle
Certain lifestyle habits like smoking, alcohol, and/or drug abuse can detrimentally influence the fetus’ development and cause a miscarriage. Unfortunately, half of the pregnancies are unplanned which doesn’t give some mothers enough time to prepare. Under such circumstances, a woman should immediately get in touch with her doctor and abstain from all such harmful habits.

Blood-clotting disorders
Like physical complications, a blood-clotting disorder causing a miscarriage is a common occurrence. Disorders like Factor V Leiden that makes a woman more likely to develop blood clots can obstruct the flow of essential nutrients to the placenta. Such blood-clotting disorders increase the risk of recurrent miscarriages.

Immunological disorders
Whether or not immunological disorders affect a woman’s ability to sustain a pregnancy is widely debated among numerous medical researchers. Some experts argue that the presence of certain antibodies like anti-phospholipid antibodies found in Lupus patients often increases the risk of miscarriages. Any woman who has experienced recurrent miscarriages must undergo tests for antiphospholipid syndrome. If tested positive, the expecting mother will have to undergo some treatments to lower the risk of a miscarriage.

To reduce the risk of a miscarriage, couples should plan for their pregnancy and get a diagnosis done before conceiving to avoid complications. Women should pay special attention to their diet, regularly have all the prenatal multivitamins and prescribed medications to keep the fetus healthy. Similarly, maintaining a healthy weight and managing stress is also essential for a successful pregnancy and childbirth.