Breaking Down Misperceptions about Miscarriage
Miscarriages are saddening medical occurrences that happen more often than is realized, yet the couples who suffer them rarely speak of their losses. Whether their silence is born out of a fear that the sympathies of others may make the loss more emotionally distressing, or out of a greater fear that a pregnancy may never be possible, miscarriages are often an emotional burden that too many couples bear alone. Such isolation is unnecessary, however, as approximately 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, and as many as 50 percent of pregnancies are miscarried so early that the pregnancy is not even known. Though the early termination of any pregnancy can be heart breaking, couples looking to conceive should take comfort in knowing that they are not to blame or at fault for the loss of their fetus. Understanding the truths and overcoming the misperceptions of miscarriages can give comfort to those recovering from such a loss.
Timing
The majority of miscarriages occur during the first 13 weeks after conception. Since many women wait to share news of their pregnancy with family and friends until after the first trimester, many of the miscarriages that occur during the first thirteen weeks are often unknown by anyone other than the mother and father.
Truth: A great number of miscarriages occur so early that even the couple is unaware that an embryo had formed.
Causes
Though it is commonly believed that lifting heavy objects, participating in dangerous activities, and long-term stress can cause miscarriages, none of these factors have been proven to be valid risk factors. It is believed that the majority of miscarriages are caused by genetic abnormalities within the embryo that would prevent a baby from fully developing healthily and surviving after birth. About 60 percent of the time, miscarriages occur when the embryo or fetus has an abnormal number of chromosomes. In addition, some illnesses may place a woman at a greater risk for miscarriage, including some viral infections, thyroid disease, and diabetes.
Truth: Fatal genetic errors are not usually caused by the mother’s genetics.
Risk Factors
Some of the risk factors that may lead to a miscarriage include:
- An older maternal age
- Extremely low or high maternal weight
- Moderate to high alcohol consumption during pregnancy
- Smoking or illicit drug use during pregnancy
- Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) around the time of conception
- Uterine trauma
- Previous miscarriage(s)
About 5 percent of women have recurrent miscarriages, a condition defined by three or more losses. In most of these cases, however, the recurrent miscarriages are caused by underlying health issues such as a structural problem with the uterus, thyroid problems, hormonal imbalances, or clotting disorders.
Truth: Most women who miscarry go on to have a successful pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby.
Prevention
In order to be best positioned to deliver a baby to full term, women should maintain a healthy weight through proper nutrition and exercise, should not consume drugs or alcohol, and should be screened and treated if necessary for any sexually transmitted diseases (STD). In addition, pregnant women should take a folic acid supplement, avoid possible radiation exposure, and avoid contact sports.
Truth: In most cases, fully preventing a miscarriage is outside of a woman’s control.
The loss of any child at any time is devastating, however women must understand that as long as they lead a healthy lifestyle and avoid drugs and alcohol and other risky behaviors, they are giving their fetus the best possible chance for a healthy birth. For the many women who experience a miscarriage caused by genetic factors outside of their control, they should not take on the burden of guilt, or the feeling that the loss was their fault. Rather, they should emotionally and physically prepare themselves to try again to carry a baby full term, since for the great majority of women who miscarry, a healthy and happy baby is still on the horizon.
Whether you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, it’s important to see your OB-Gyn. Our office is currently accepting new patients. Call for an appointment today.
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