Miscarriage is a term used to describe the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week of gestation. It is also known as spontaneous abortion, and it occurs in about 10-20% of all clinically recognized pregnancies. After the 20th week, loss of pregnancy is termed as still birth. Most of the miscarriages are due to factors one cannot control. The major causes of are genetic-related issues. Various factors, including chromosomal abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities, and lifestyle factors can cause miscarriage. Understanding the definition of miscarriage and the potential causes and symptoms can help individuals better cope with the physical and emotional effects of this difficult experience.
How Common is Miscarriage?
Miscarriage is a relatively common occurrence, with around 15-30% of clinically recognized pregnancies ending in miscarriage, this means that approximately 1 in every 4 pregnancies are lost through miscarriage. The frequency of miscarriage varies by age, with women over the age of 35 having a higher risk of experiencing miscarriage compared to younger women.
According to recent studies, the risk of miscarriage in women over 35 is about 20%, while the risk for women under 35 is around 10-15%. Additionally, there may be some ethnic and racial differences in miscarriage rates, with some studies suggesting that African American women have a higher risk of miscarriage compared to other groups. Other demographic factors, such as smoking, obesity, and certain medical conditions, may also increase the risk of miscarriage.
Around 80% of miscarriages occur during the first trimester. If a person is aware of the pregnancy, the chance of loss is lower than 15%. During the first trimester, the fetus is in its early development stage and exposure to unhealthy eating or drinking habits may harm it. As the fetus develops and become more stronger, the risk of loss reduces.
Miscarriage Rates by Age
Age is a risk factor for miscarriage. According to medical news today, these is the average chances of pregnancy loss by age;
Below 35 years – 15 % chance
Between 35 – 45 years – 20 – 35 %
Above 45 years – 50 %
The main reason for an increase in the chance of pregnancy loss as age increases is the declining egg quality with time.
Potential Causes of Miscarriage
Most miscarriages occur from reasons one can control. At some point, it is even difficult to say why a miscarriage occurred. Some of the possible causes include;
Chromosomal Abnormalities
Chromosomal abnormalities refer to alterations or abnormalities in the structure or number of chromosomes, which can lead to a wide range of genetic disorders and health conditions. It occurs due to various factors, including genetic mutations, exposure to radiation or toxins, errors during cell division, and other environmental factors. There are two types of chromosomal abnormalities; the numerical and structural abnormalities.
Numerical abnormalities refer to changes in the number of chromosomes in a cell. It occurs due to errors during cell division, resulting in cells with an abnormal number of chromosomes. Structural abnormalities refer to alterations in the structure of chromosomes, which can lead to missing or extra genetic material. It occurs due to genetic mutations, exposure to radiation or toxins, or errors during cell division.
Many chromosomal abnormalities can result in the development of a fetus that is incompatible with life, leading to a miscarriage. Also, it can interfere with normal cell division, leading to developmental abnormalities that can increase the risk of miscarriage.
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones play a critical role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy, including regulating ovulation, supporting the growth and development of the fetus, and preparing the body for childbirth. Two critical hormones that help in pregnancy are progesterone and estrogen. Progesterone is a hormone that helps maintain the uterine lining and supports the growth and development of the fetus. At the same time, estrogen regulates ovulation and supports the growth and development of the fetus. Another hormone is the human chorionic gonadotropin that is produced by the placenta and help in supporting the development of the fetus.
Inadequate levels of hormones such as progesterone can interfere with the development and maintenance of the pregnancy, increasing the risk of miscarriage. Fluctuations in hormone levels can also increase the risk of miscarriage, particularly if they are irregular or unstable.
Lifestyle Factors
Lifestyle factors are the personal habits and behaviors that can impact health and wellbeing, including diet, exercise, drug and alcohol use, and environmental factors. These factors significantly impact reproductive health and can increase the risk of miscarriage or other complications. Examples of lifestyle factors are;
- Use of drugs or alcohol during pregnancy that increase the risk of miscarriage and other health complications for the mother and fetus.
- Exposure to toxins or pollutants, including chemicals, radiation, or heavy metals, can increase the risk of miscarriage.
- Excessive exercise or physical activity, particularly during early pregnancy, can increase the risk of miscarriage.
- Poor nutrition, including a diet that is low in essential nutrients or high in processed foods, can increase the risk of miscarriage.
Lifestyle factors such as poor nutrition or exposure to toxins interfere with the normal development and growth of the fetus, increasing the risk of miscarriage. Some factors such as use of drugs cause hormonal imbalance while exposure to environmental toxins increase the inflammation in the body, therefore increase the risk of miscarriage.
Symptoms of Miscarriage
Symptoms of miscarriage can vary depending on the stage of pregnancy and the individual, but some common signs include vaginal bleeding, intense cramping, and the passing of tissue or clots from the vagina.
Bleeding may start as light spotting and progress to heavier bleeding, and cramping may feel similar to menstrual cramps or be more severe.
Some women may also experience back pain or a sudden decrease in pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea and breast tenderness.
In some cases, a woman may not experience any symptoms and only find out about the miscarriage during a routine prenatal appointment or ultrasound.
Note that, vaginal bleeding or cramping does not always indicate a miscarriage, as these symptoms can also occur in a healthy pregnancy. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider for guidance and evaluation.
How can one Reduce the Risk of Miscarriage?
While some causes of miscarriage are beyond our control, some steps can be taken to reduce the risk of miscarriage. They are as follows;
- Prioritizing overall health and well-being. This includes maintaining a healthy diet that is rich in essential nutrients, staying physically active in moderation, avoiding exposure to toxins and pollutants, and managing stress levels.
- Also, avoid smoking, drug use, and excessive alcohol consumption, as these habits can increase the risk of miscarriage.
- If you have a pre-existing medical condition, such as diabetes or thyroid disease, work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your condition and minimize the risk of complications. In some cases, medication or other medical interventions may be recommended to reduce the risk of miscarriage, but these should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Coping with Miscarriage
Pregnancy loss can be traumatic. You may experience different emotions like grief, guilt, fear, loneliness or even shock. Your partner may not share the same emotions as you.
Check out our list of heartfelt messages to help you heal.
How do you cope with these emotions?
- Practicing self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or taking a relaxing bath.
- Engaging in creative outlets such as writing, art, or music to express emotions.
- Setting boundaries and taking time off work or other responsibilities to focus on healing.
- Seeking out professional mental health support to process emotions. There are support groups of individuals who have experienced the same that will help you through your healing journey.
- Commemorate the loss and allow yourself to feel sad.
- Talking to your partner after a miscarriage can be difficult, but it’s important to communicate openly and honestly about your feelings and experiences. Sharing your grief with your partner can help you feel less alone and strengthen your bond as a couple.
Tips on Talking to Your Partner
- Recognize that your partner may be grieving in their own way and may need time and space to process their own feelings.
- Be honest about what you need from your partner, whether it’s comfort, support, or simply someone to listen.
- Use “I” statements to express your feelings and avoid blaming or accusing language.
- Choose a quiet and private space where you won’t be interrupted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are miscarriages?
Miscarriages are more common than most people realize. In fact, up to 25% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, with the majority occurring in the first trimester. The risk of miscarriage increases with age, with women over 35 having a higher risk than younger women. Many miscarriages occur before a woman even realizes she is pregnant, so the actual number may be higher than reported. Despite being common, miscarriage can still be a devastating experience for those who go through it, and it’s important to seek support and care during this difficult time.
Can stress cause miscarriage?
Some studies suggest that high levels of stress may increase the risk of miscarriage. Chronic stress can lead to an overactive immune response, which may cause inflammation and damage to the developing fetus. Stress can also lead to changes in hormone levels and blood flow to the uterus, which can affect the growth and development of the fetus.
How long should I wait before trying to conceive again after a miscarriage?
The timing for trying to conceive again after a miscarriage can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the cause and timing of the miscarriage and the individual’s physical and emotional recovery. In general, it’s recommended to wait until after you have had at least one normal menstrual cycle before trying to conceive again. This can help to ensure that the uterus has had time to heal and that hormone levels have returned to normal. Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns or questions you may have about trying to conceive again after a miscarriage.