
A miscarriage is any pregnancy that ends spontaneously before the fetus becomes viable. This term is medically referred to as a spontaneous abortion. Statistic shows that miscarriage occurs in about 15% to 20% of all recognized pregnancies, and usually occurs before the 13th week of pregnancy. In addition, researchers have been able to show that around 60% to 70% of all pregnancies (recognized and unrecognized) are lost. Because the loss occurs so early, many miscarriages occur without the woman ever having known she was pregnant. Prior to the eighth week of pregnancy, 30% have no fetus associated with no embryo inside the sac. This condition is called blighted ovum. There are more causes of pregnancy loss. Here?s a guide for you to know more about miscarriage, its causes and preventions.
When the baby stops developing or the mother encounter some factors that precipitate a miscarriage. The uterine lining begins to shed off leading to mild cramping alongside vaginal bleeding (the most common signs and symptoms of miscarriage).
The most common known causes of miscarriage during the first trimester are chromosomal abnormalities, collagen vascular disease, diabetes, other hormonal problems, infection, and congenital (present at birth) abnormalities of the uterus.
Reasons for miscarriages during the first trimester may also occur as the same manner to second trimester miscarriages. In the event that miscarriage happens, the woman might require a D & C to eliminate the excess contents inside the uterus that might cause maternal sepsis/infection. Late second trimester miscarriages might indicate that the baby dies inside the uterus. If the miscarriage happens after 20 weeks of pregnancy, this loss is technically called a stillbirth.
To prevent a miscarriage is to treat what is believed to be the underlying cause. Treatment and cautious evaluation is not easy. Because the treatment process alone or together with the underlying disease might become potential factors that may be responsible for the pregnancy loss.
If a chromosomal abnormality is detected in one or both couple, then counseling as to future risks is the only option for the couple, since there is currently no means to correct genetic abnormalities.
If the mother has collagen vascular disease or autoimmune disease, such as such as (systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome), certain medications are being considered that can be helpful in achieving successful pregnancy results. Blood thinners (aspirin and heparin) are suggested, in some cases, prevent further miscarriages.
If you have diabetes or thyroid abnormality condition, be sure to tell the health care provider who will take care of you during your pregnancy. It’s best if you do this before you become pregnant.
Many doctors use progesterone therapy to women with recurrent pregnancy loss. Though. the effectiveness of this therapy is not confirmed, most physicians report positive outcomes with progesterone therapy. It can be given as vaginal suppositories, gel form or in a tablet.
To prevent the occurrence of miscarriage, it is important for you to know that even though you have followed all the treatments and evaluations given by your doctor, there is still a chance of pregnancy loss, though at least you tried to diminish its chances. This is not to say that prevention attempts should not be considered to correct any abnormalities but there is no absolute treatment can be guaranteed. However, most reports show that even with repeated pregnancy loss, there is still a big possibility of having a successful pregnancy in the future. Early pregnancy and pre-natal counselling can help identify risk factors and allow the doctor to provide any special intervention that may be needed.