Many women across the world experience a natural phenomenon called pregnancy. While it is a beautiful experience that validates the creation of life, some women face complications during pregnancy, including miscarriage.

Miscarriage is the loss of pregnancy before the 20th week, and it takes a significant toll on mental and physical well-being.

What Factors Increase the Risk of Miscarriage?

Miscarriages could happen for several reasons, most of which are beyond the control of the mother. Here are some of the most common risk factors that increase the likelihood of experiencing a miscarriage:.

Advanced Maternal Age

The older a woman is when she conceives, the higher her risk of miscarriage. Women over the age of 35 have a 20% higher chance of experiencing a miscarriage than women under 35.

Poor Lifestyle Habits

Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and using illicit drugs can increase the risk of miscarriage significantly. These habits could also cause developmental or behavioral disabilities while the child is in the womb.

Chronic Diseases

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, lupus, or thyroid disorders can raise the risk of miscarriage. These diseases carry a higher chance of developing complications both during pregnancy and childbirth.

Infections

Infections make the body more vulnerable to inflammation, which can increase the likelihood of miscarriage. Some of the common diseases that could cause problems during pregnancy include rubella, toxoplasmosis, and cytomegalovirus.

Genetic Abnormalities

Certain genetic abnormalities can make it challenging for a pregnancy to progress successfully. Such anomalies might happen due to the egg or sperm having the wrong number of chromosomes or these not dividing appropriately.

This issue may happen irrespective of the mother’s age, though advanced maternal age may correlate with an increase in chromosomal abnormalities.

Hormonal Imbalances

Several hormones are necessary for a healthy pregnancy. If the mother’s hormone profile is incorrect, it can make it difficult for the pregnancy to progress normally.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), hyperprolactinemia, or Hypothyroidism can all cause hormonal problems that put the pregnancy at risk.

Surgical Procedures or Trauma

Surgical procedures or physical trauma could increase the risk of miscarriage. Anyone who has had a uterine or cervical procedure, such as a biopsy, a D&C or cone biopsy, could develop an increased likelihood of miscarriage.

Medications or Environmental Toxins

Exposure to certain medications or environmental toxins can increase the likelihood of health issues during pregnancy.

This issue is a significant concern if the mother is exposed to hazardous chemicals or drugs that could cause birth defects or miscarriage.

What Can Be Done to Avoid Miscarriage?

While some factors are out of the mother’s control, there are still many things that she can do to reduce her likelihood of experiencing a miscarriage:.

Eating a Balanced, Healthy Diet

Getting the right balance of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals is critical in supporting a growing fetus. A healthy diet means staying away from processed foods, soda, caffeine, sugar, and fast food.

Instead, focus on eating fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains for a healthier pregnancy.

Exercising

Moderate exercise can help prevent many of the chronic diseases that can lead to miscarriage, such as hypertension or diabetes. Regular physical activity can also help to regulate hormones that support a healthy pregnancy.

Managing Chronic Diseases

If the mother has an existing chronic disease, it is essential to work closely with the healthcare provider to manage these conditions through pregnancy.

This management could involve medication, lifestyle modifications, and careful monitoring throughout pregnancy.

Quitting Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits

If the mother smokes, uses drugs, or drinks alcohol, quitting as early as possible before trying to conceive can help to reduce the risk of miscarriage.

Substance abuse during pregnancy not only increases the likelihood of miscarriage, but it also endangers the unborn child.

Conclusion

Miscarriage can be a devastating experience for any mother and family. It is essential to understand the risk factors and take steps to prevent them to minimize this risk.

While some factors are out of our control, making healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding unhealthy habits can significantly reduce the likelihood of a miscarriage.