Pregnancy can be a fulfilling time for many women. However, not all women are lucky to carry their pregnancy to term. Some women have to endure the heartbreaking challenge that is miscarriage. This spontaneous abortion occurs unexpectedly, during the early stages of pregnancy. Although it is difficult to avoid most risk factors causing miscarriage, there are certain things doctors recommend to help women with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Mountain View to preserve their pregnancy and ensure they give birth to a healthy baby.
What causes a miscarriage?
There are many causes of miscarriage. Unfortunately, it is not easy to pinpoint a specific cause that is common to all women. Some causes are specific to a patient. Physicians usually conduct an assessment of patients that have lost their babies to understand the underlying factor and thus develop a treatment to prevent future miscarriages.
What causes miscarriage in the first trimester?
The first trimester of pregnancy includes week 1 to week 13. During this time, the zygote is in its early development stages and thus vulnerable to external risk factors. Some reasons that can explain miscarriage in the first trimester include:
- Genetic abnormalities: Pregnant women’s immune systems are sensitive to growing fetuses. If a fetus has problems with its chromosomes, the mother’s immune system will terminate the pregnancy.
- Ectopic pregnancy: A normal pregnancy involves a woman carrying a baby in the uterus. However, some women experience an ectopic pregnancy, where the fetus grows outside the uterus like in the fallopian tube. This condition requires emergency care to manage and prevent miscarriage.
- Antiphospholipid syndrome: This condition causes blood clots to form in the womb. If a woman does not receive treatment, the blood clots may cause a miscarriage.
- Placenta problems: If a woman’s placenta is incompatible with the developing fetus, a miscarriage can happen.
What issues can cause miscarriage in the second trimester?
Unlike the first trimester, a miscarriage in the second trimester is relatively less common. Most women who experience second-trimester miscarriage usually have an underlying health condition. For example:
- Infection in the uterus or cervix
- Poor treatment and management of chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
- Untreated thyroid disease
- Abnormal uterus
- Fibroids.
- Drug abuse
- Smoking
- Exposure to air pollutants
What causes miscarriage in the third trimester?
Miscarriages that occur in the third trimester, are stillbirths. The main causes of third-trimester miscarriages are similar to those of the first and second trimesters.
Guidelines for a healthy pregnancy
Maintaining certain practices when pregnant can prevent miscarriage. For example:
- Take folic acid
If you are thinking about getting pregnant, you should start taking folic acid and continue until the end of your pregnancy. This B vitamin ensures healthy pregnancy preventing any birth defects that cause miscarriage.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Pregnant women should avoid unhealthy habits that may jeopardize their pregnancy. For example, it would be best to stop smoking and drinking alcohol immediately after you get pregnant. Staying physically active can also ensure a healthy pregnancy.
- Maintain hygiene
Hygiene practices like washing hands frequently can prevent infections like the flu that may affect your pregnancy. You should ensure that you have the proper immunizations before getting pregnant.
Contact NOVA IVF if you want a seamless pregnancy free from miscarriage risk factors.
