A miscarriage is generally defined as a nonviable intrauterine pregnancy up to 20 weeks gestation. According to The Mayo Clinic, about 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, but that percentage could be higher since many women miscarry before they even realize they are pregnant. Though it is becoming more and more common, it doesn’t make it any easier on those who live through it. NCCRM fertility center Chapel Hill is here to give you a better understanding of the known causes and associated risk factors that increase the risk of experiencing a miscarriage.
Causes
Most miscarriages occur because of abnormal chromosomes or genes, meaning the fetus simply isn’t developing normally. About 50 percent of miscarriages are associated with extra or missing chromosomes. Most often, chromosome problems result from errors that occur by chance as the embryo divides and grows — not problems inherited from the parents. Chromosomal abnormalities may lead to blighted ovum, meaning no embryo forms, intrauterine fetal demise, where an embryo forms but stops developing and dies before any symptoms of pregnancy loss occur, or a molar pregnancy, where both sets of chromosomes come from the father and there is usually no fetal development.
Maternal health conditions can also play a big part in a woman experiencing a miscarriage. Health conditions that lead to miscarriage include uncontrolled diabetes, infections, hormonal problems, uterus or cervix problems, and thyroid disease. It should be noted that there are myths about routine activities provoking miscarriage. These include high-intensity exercising, sexual intercourse, and work-related risks, provided that you’re not exposed to harmful chemicals or radiation.
Risk Factors
- Age – Women older than age 35 have a higher risk of miscarriage than do younger women. At age 35, you have about a 20 percent risk. At age 40, the risk is about 40 percent. And at age 45, it’s about 80 percent.
- Previous miscarriages – Women who have had two or more consecutive miscarriages are at higher risk of miscarriage.
- Chronic conditions – Women who have a chronic condition, such as uncontrolled diabetes, have a higher risk of miscarriage.
- Uterine or cervical problems – Certain uterine abnormalities or weak cervical tissues (incompetent cervix) might increase the risk of miscarriage.
- Smoking, alcohol, and illicit drugs – Women who smoke during pregnancy have a greater risk of miscarriage than do nonsmokers. Heavy alcohol use and illicit drug use also increase the risk of miscarriage.
- Weight – Being underweight or being overweight has been linked with an increased risk of miscarriage.
- Invasive prenatal tests – Some invasive prenatal genetic tests, such as chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis, carry a slight risk of miscarriage.
NCCRM Fertility Center Chapel Hill
If you are less than 12 weeks pregnant and experience vaginal spotting or bleeding, pain or cramping in your abdomen or lower back, or tissue passing from your vagina, it is important that you contact your gynecologist ASAP. However, it is important that you keep in mind that most women who experience vaginal spotting or bleeding in the first trimester go on to have successful pregnancies. Often, there’s nothing you can do to prevent a miscarriage. Simply focus on taking good care of yourself and your baby by seeking regular prenatal care, avoiding known miscarriage risk factors, and taking prenatal vitamins is the best place to start. Contact NCCRM fertility center Chapel Hill today for more information.
