While pregnancy is one of the happiest phases in a woman’s life, a miscarriage can ruin it all in seconds. Hence, knowing all about it, being careful and understanding its symptoms are essential for a healthy and safe motherhood. By definition miscarriage refers to the unplanned or spontaneous expulsion of the fetus from the womb before it can survive independently. Read on to know its causes, symptoms and preventive measures that can be taken.

Causes of miscarriage

• Uterine problems – Fibroids in the uterus can hamper the blood supply to the fetus, causing miscarriage. Some women might also develop scar tissue from any surgery or previous abortion, which can prevent the egg from getting implanted properly. Others might be born with a septum, which is a uterine defect. Special X-rays can detect these problems and a doctor can treat you right.
• Chromosomal issues – Fertilization is caused by a sperm and an egg bringing 23 chromosomes each together to create 23 exactly matched pairs. Any issue with this process can cause genetic abnormality and hence miscarriage.
• Hormone imbalance – Inadequate progesterone levels can prevent the fertilized egg from getting implanted in your uterus.
• High fever – A high fever of above 102 degrees can cause early miscarriage. Use of drugs like cocaine, heavy smoking, diabetes , and hyper or hypothyroidism can also cause early miscarriage.
• Chronic ailments – Heart diseases, lupus, kidney and liver diseases, autoimmune disorders and diabetes can cause recurrent miscarriages.
• Other reasons – If the mother is above 35, suffers a car accident, has Lyme Disease, or is exposed to the bacteria Listeria present in raw eggs or undercooked meat, miscarriage can happen.

The process of miscarriage

Contractions accompanied by cramping and followed by bleeding is what usually happens in a miscarriage. A woman may pass tissues and large blood clots, which signify that the contents of the uterus are being expelled.
In case there is heavy miscarriage bleeding but no tissue is passed out, the uterus must be evacuated surgically. The doctor then dilates the cervix and uses a method called curettage to remove uterine contents by scraping.
In case a fetus dies but the woman doesn’t show any miscarriage symptoms, a special drug is given to create the contractions needed to expel the fetus.

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Signs of miscarriage

• Spotting during early pregnancy (this is common, but you should still consult your doctor to rule out any abnormality.)
• Mild or severe cramps
• Abdominal pain or back pain
• Sudden stoppage of vomiting or nausea
• Pink-white mucus
• Passing of clots or tissues
• Early miscarriage is also indicated by a gush of pink or clear vaginal fluid, dizziness or bright red bleeding

How to prevent miscarriage?

Unfortunately, once a miscarriage starts, there’s no way to prevent it. But here are some precautions you can take to have a healthy birth:

• A balanced healthy diet can keep miscarriage at bay, since this way your body will get all the vitamins and minerals it needs. Have fresh fruits and veggies on a daily basis.
• Limit the intake of caffeine – it shouldn’t be more than 200mg per day. Also, consult your doctor.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking as well.
• Get vaccines against infectious diseases like rubella and chicken pox.
• Avoid high-impact exercises as they can lead to injuries or miscarriage.
• Keep blood sugar under control to avoid fetal malformation.
• Reduce stress through meditation, music or books.

So, an ounce of care and regular visits to your doctor can prevent miscarriage and introduce you to a happy motherhood.

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