Miscarriages, the loss of a fetus in the mother's womb before the 20th week of pregnancy, are very common among pregnant women. In order to reduce the chances of having a miscarriage, women need to learn about the most common causes of miscarriage.
Parenting.com has gathered a list of the most common miscarriage causes and what women can do about them. The list includes the common causes for both one-time and recurrent miscarriages.
First on the list are chromosomal abnormalities. According to the report, 60 percent of miscarriages are caused by anomalies with the chromosomes of the parents. It is recommended for parents with recurrent miscarriages to have their chromosomes tested by your physician.
Next on the list are abnormalities in the uterus and weak cervixes. Uterine septum for women with recurrent miscarriages can be solved by surgery while weak cervixes can be corrected by a stitching procedure called cerclage.
Immunologic disorders are also common causes of miscarriage. These disorders happen when the sperm is treated by the woman's body as a foreign object and is rejected. The experimental treatments include giving aspirin, heparin and steroids to women.
Another common cause for miscarriage is the thyroid problem. Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and uncontrolled diabetes can make it hard for the embryo to survive in the uterine. Prescribed medications and lifestyle changes advised by the doctor can correct thyroid disorders and diabetes.
Fifth on the list is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS. "Women with PCOS have too-high levels of the male hormone testosterone which, among other things, causes irregular ovulation and menstruation," the article shared. It can also cause insulin resistance which causes difficulties in the maturation of a woman's endometrium. Oral antidiabetic drugs have been used to prevent miscarriages in women with the syndrome.
Next on the list are bacterial infections. Common bacteria that can cause miscarriages are mycoplasma hominis and ureaplasma urealyticum. These bacteria can cause inflammation of the endometrium which prevents the development of the embryo. Hence, these can be treated with the use of antibiotics.
Lastly, lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol and taking harmful drugs can cause miscarriages. Women who want to become pregnant are advised to eliminate these harmful lifestyle habits.
About Health also shared some tips for a healthy pregnancy. Regular exercise, eating healthy and nutritious food, getting adequate rest, getting proper education and taking vitamin and mineral supplements are some of the best ways to prevent the most common causes of miscarriage.
