Miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. About 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage.
A miscarriage can be an incredibly devastating event, with long-lasting emotional issues, including depression, anger, fear, and guilt, but one of the most difficult aspects of a pregnancy loss is simply the complete lack of knowledge surrounding why it happened.
Here are some causes of miscarriages that women should know:
1. Age
Age is a major cause of miscarriage.
Advanced maternal age describes a pregnancy where the birthing person is older than 35. Pregnant people over age 35 are more at risk for complications like miscarriage, congenital disorders, and high blood pressure. Screening tests can help detect a certain congenital disorder.
2. Lifestyle
Self-destructive lifestyle habits, such as drug abuse, alcohol use during pregnancy, and smoking can all lead to a miscarriage early on or later during pregnancy.
Also, women who work in certain environments, including farms, operating rooms, dental offices, and hospital laboratories have a higher rate of miscarriage for unknown reasons
3. Infections
Many micro-organisms live harmlessly—even helpfully—in the male and female reproductive systems. But certain bacteria can cause problems, including an increased risk of miscarriage.
There are two in particular—mycoplasma hominis and ureaplasma urealyticum— which live in the genital tracts of healthy women but can raise the risk of miscarriage.
In women, infection with these bacteria can inflame the endometrium (the lining of the uterus), making it impossible for an embryo to develop. There are no symptoms, however, so the only way you know if you or your partner is carrying the organism is to be tested.
4. Weakened cervix
In some cases, the muscles of the cervix (neck of the womb) are weaker than usual. This is known as a weakened cervix or cervical incompetence.
A weakened cervix may be caused by a previous injury to this area, usually after a surgical procedure. Muscle weakness can cause the cervix to open too early during pregnancy, leading to a miscarriage.
5. Problems with the egg or sperm’s chromosomes
Hands down, the single most common reason that a miscarriage occurs is some a problem with either the egg or sperm’s chromosomes during embryo formation.
While some chromosomal abnormalities are compatible with life, such as trisomy 21, the most common type of Down syndrome, other chromosomal disorders are simply incompatible with life. “Genetically, [development] just stops.
6. Diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes causes a miscarriage and this has been medically proven.
Patients who are struggling with diabetes are encouraged to speak to their doctors about ways to control their blood sugar and/or request the blood sugar blood test, A1C and to always know the extent of diabetes in them at every point in time.
7. Use of drugs illegally
The consumption of recreational or illegal drugs while pregnant, put the mother at huge risk of having miscarriages. Some prescribed drugs, cannot cross into the foetal blood circulation resulting in miscarriages.
Therefore, it is highly suggested that a pregnant woman should never take prescription medication unless it is specially prescribed for her and the prescribing doctor is aware of the pregnancy.
Hormonal imbalances can cause a miscarriage if the uterine lining doesn’t develop normally for implantation and nourishment of a fertilized egg. Elevated prolactin (a reproductive hormone produced in the pituitary gland) levels can alter the proper development of the uterine lining.
8. Genetic Disorder
Genetics caused due to chromosomal abnormality is one of the vital causes of miscarriage. If it occurs early, the woman does not even get to know about her pregnancy. When this type of failure occurs, the woman simply thinks that she has an extra menstrual cycle or period that month, when in fact she is having had a miscarriage.
ALSO READ: These 7 Steps Would Help You Recover After A Miscarriage
9. Intentional Abortions
A woman who has had previous intentional abortions is at a higher risk for a miscarriage in future pregnancies. Intentional abortion causes the cervix to become incompetent, sensitive, and irritable resulting in miscarriages.
During that time, the mother’s body is unable to maintain adequate levels of hormones that are needed to support a pregnancy.
10. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition where the ovaries are larger than normal. It’s caused by hormonal changes in the ovaries.
PCOS is known to be a leading cause of infertility as it can prevent the release of an egg (ovulation). There’s some evidence to suggest it may also be linked to an increased risk of miscarriage.
