Many people keep their pregnancies under wraps and do not share the news with their near and dear ones till the first three months sail by. One of the biggest reasons why this is done is because of the fear of miscarriage. Miscarriages are more common in the first trimester, that is the first three months of pregnancy and nearly 10-20% of pregnant women experience this. The risk significantly comes down after that and remains so throughout the rest of the pregnancy.
Now, before we move on and discuss the reasons behind a miscarriage, let’s understand what it actually is. Pregnancy or conception is when a sperm meets an egg, fertilizes it and this fertilized egg then attaches itself to the lining of the uterus and begins to grow. When the cells divide and an embryo is formed, your pregnancy is said to be progressing from one stage to another as the organs grow.
However, some pregnancies end, that is the growth stops happening. This is when a woman is said to be experiencing a miscarriage. There are several types of miscarriages and here are a few of them.
Complete miscarriage, where all the products of pregnancy are expelled from the body.
Partial miscarriage, where some parts of the embryo or placenta remain within the uterus.
A missed miscarriage, where the mother doesn’t know that the embryo has stopped developing but the heartbeat of the embryo stops.
How Do You Know That You Are Having A Miscarriage?
Sometimes during early pregnancy, even before you know that you are pregnant, you might end up having a miscarriage. Even when you are pregnant, there are certain signs to watch out for so that you seek immediate medical attention.
Heavy spotting: This is different from bleeding and is often slightly different in color too. If you are experiencing brown discharge that doesn’t resemble your period, this could be indicative of a miscarriage.
Heavy bleeding: Sometimes, when you are not aware that you are pregnant, a miscarriage can appear confusing with your period. Please observe how heavy your period is compared to what’s normal. If you know that you are pregnant and you experience heavy bleeding, it could be a sign of miscarriage.
Tissue discharge: During pregnancy, if you see tissue or other solid/semi-solid material or discharge being expelled from your vagina, there is a strong possibility that it is a miscarriage.
Cramping/Back pain: While cramping and back pain accompany pregnancy, please check whether it is unbearable. In case it is, please seek medical attention immediately as it is one of the signs of an impending miscarriage.
What Are The Causes Behind A Miscarriage?
While many women feel that they are responsible for a miscarriage, it’s generally not true. There are several reasons why pregnancy would stop progressing and most of them are internal.
Blighted ovum: When the sperm meets an egg and fertilizes it, this egg attaches itself to the uterus and starts forming an embryo. When the attached fertilized egg doesn’t form an embryo, your pregnancy will stop progressing there and it will lead to a miscarriage. And, also the embryo's heartbeat stops and you might not even realize it.
Intrauterine demise: Sometimes, even after the embryo is formed, after a certain stage, the growth might stop. This is known as intrauterine fetal demise and this leads to a miscarriage.
Lifestyle choices: Sometimes, a few of the mother’s lifestyle choices can have a detrimental effect on the growth of the uterus. These include poor dietary choices, stress, excessive use of alcohol, substance abuse, and smoking.
Other diseases: Comorbidities like high blood pressure, thyroid, and diabetes might not necessarily cause a miscarriage, but have proven to be a risk factor. And, other factors such as the age of the mother, previous cases of miscarriage, trauma, surgeries, and even hormonal issues could also contribute towards an increased risk of miscarriage.
Internal anatomy issues: If a woman has an unusually shaped uterus or problems with the cervix, she might not be able to sustain a pregnancy which could lead to a miscarriage.
Can You Avoid A Miscarriage?
As you would have read, a miscarriage happens due to a variety of reasons and most are beyond your control. However, as soon as you get the good news, it's best to take your doctor’s advice seriously. Schedule regular appointments, do not skip any recommended tests, and make sure that you are taking all your medicines in time. Eat a healthy diet, sleep well, stay hydrated and make sure that you are maintaining a healthy weight. Watch out for any of the symptoms mentioned and stay stress-free as much as possible. Avoid alcohol and smoking.
Getting Pregnant After A Miscarriage:
A miscarriage can be a very traumatic experience, so before you start planning to conceive, make sure that you are emotionally and physically ready. In this case, your doctor might recommend a few tests to understand the cause behind your previous miscarriage, so do comply. Work with your doctor to plan a healthy conception. we have preconception sessions that help identify such underlying problems and help you plan your pregnancy.
Even though you can engage in sexual activity within as early as two weeks, it’s generally recommended that you wait for sometime before you try conceiving again. Doctors usually suggest waiting for the full menstrual cycle to return so that the uterus can shed its lining and be ready. This usually takes about two months. It's also important that you are in a good emotional state after coping with your pregnancy loss.
Prenatal vitamins and supplements must be started three months before conception. This will facilitate a healthier pregnancy. And also, Start adapting yourself to a healthy lifestyle. Walking, yoga and exercises can boost your immunity. we have preconception sessions that help identify such underlying problems and help you plan your pregnancy.
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