Miscarriage

What is a miscarriage?

A miscarriage is a medical event that results in the loss of your fetus during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Usually, miscarriages occur during the first trimester, but they can happen later as well. 

There’s no way to prevent a miscarriage entirely, but knowing the risk factors, symptoms, and causes can help you identify early warning signs and receive treatment.

What are the symptoms of a miscarriage?

Symptoms of a miscarriage include:

• Heavy spotting
• Vaginal bleeding
• Discharge of tissue or fluid from your vagina
• Severe abdominal pain
• Cramping

If you have a miscarriage, you might also experience mild or severe back pain. If you experience these or other similar symptoms at any time during your pregnancy, contact the team at CARE Fertility immediately.

What causes a miscarriage?

Miscarriages occur for a wide range of reasons, including:

Anatomic factors

Anatomic factors refer to structural problems that make it difficult for an egg to implant in your uterus. Some anatomic factors are genetic (present at birth), while others occur due to underlying health problems or injuries.

Chromosomal factors

Chromosomal factors refer to genetic abnormalities. Researchers estimate that 50-60% of miscarriages that occur during the first trimester are the result of chromosome abnormalities.

Immunologic factors

Immunologic factors refer to problems with a mother’s immune system. If you have an immune imbalance, your body might reject the fetus and prevent it from growing.

Hormonal factors

Hormone levels directly affect your fetus’s health and well-being. Having hormone levels that are too high (or too low) can alter the lining of your uterus, making it more difficult to conceive.

Can a miscarriage be prevented?

There’s no way to prevent a miscarriage entirely, but there are steps you can take to lower your risk. The team at CARE Fertility recommends:

• Getting regular prenatal care during your pregnancy
• Avoiding alcohol, drugs, and smoking while pregnant
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Washing your hands regularly
• Limiting your caffeine consumption
• Eating a balanced diet

If you have a history of multiple miscarriages, the team can develop a personalized treatment plan that improves your odds of a successful pregnancy.

Don’t let multiple miscarriages quash your dreams of having a family. To receive miscarriage treatment, make an appointment at CARE Fertility by calling the nearest office or booking online today.