Factors that increase the risk of miscarriage

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Thi Man - Doctor of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital
Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week of pregnancy. Most miscarriages are caused by abnormal development of the embryo.

1. Causes of Miscarriage

1.1. Genetic or chromosomal abnormalities Most miscarriages are caused by abnormal development of the embryo. About 50% of miscarriages are related to an abnormality in the number of chromosomes, the most common cause is not a problem inherited from the parents, but due to a disorder in the process of cell division.
Chromosomal abnormalities can lead to:
Damaged ovum, failure to form embryo. Intrauterine failure: In this case, the embryo is formed, but does not develop and dies before the symptoms of miscarriage appear. Whole and partial ovum: In total ovum, all the chromosomes are passed on from the father. A total ovum is often accompanied by an abnormality of the placenta, so the embryo is usually unable to develop. Partial ovum is a pregnancy with the entire egg but with extra chromosomes passed on from the mother. Partial ectopic pregnancy is also commonly associated with placental anomalies and fetal abnormalities. Whole and partial ectopic pregnancy both lead to miscarriage, but more dangerously, they are sometimes linked to placental carcinogenesis.
1.2. The health of the pregnant woman is not good In some cases, the health of the pregnant woman is the cause of miscarriage. Common problems during pregnancy are:
Uncontrolled diabetes. Infection. Hormonal disorders. Diseases related to the uterus or cervix. Thyroid diseases.

2. Risk factors

There are many risk factors that increase the chances of miscarriage, including:
Age at pregnancy: women over 35 face a higher risk of miscarriage during pregnancy. Previous miscarriage: Women who have had two or more miscarriages in a row have a higher risk of miscarriage. Chronic medical conditions: Women with chronic medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, face a higher risk of miscarriage. Uterine or Cervical Abnormalities: Certain uterine or cervical abnormalities can increase the risk of miscarriage. Smoking, drinking alcohol, using drugs: Pregnant women who smoke, drink a lot of alcohol as well as abuse drugs all increase the risk of miscarriage. Weight: Being underweight, overweight, or obese are all associated with miscarriage. Invasive prenatal testing: Some invasive prenatal genetic tests (such as amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling) carry a definite risk of miscarriage.

3. Myths about the cause of miscarriage

Some activities below are absolutely not the cause of miscarriage as some people still believe:
Exercise, including exercise with high intensity (such as hiking, cycling,... ). Sexual relations. Labor (unless the job involves exposure to hazardous chemicals or radiation). Consult your doctor about the working environment if you are worried.

4. Symptoms and complications of miscarriage

4.1. Symptoms of Miscarriage Most miscarriages occur before the 12th week of pregnancy. Signs suggestive of miscarriage include:
Vaginal congestion or bleeding. Pain or cramps in the abdomen or back. Unusual discharge, or pregnancy tissue leaking out through the vagina (in this case, store the tissue in a clean container and take it to your doctor for testing). Keep in mind that most women with heavy or vaginal bleeding during the first trimester can avoid a miscarriage and still have a safe pregnancy.
4.2. Complications of Miscarriage Some women develop an infection in the uterus after a miscarriage, called a septic miscarriage. Symptoms of septic abortion include:
Fever. Chills. Pain in the lower abdomen. Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor.

5. How to prevent miscarriage

In fact, there is no way to completely prevent miscarriage. Pregnant women should try to take better care of themselves and their unborn baby by:
Regular antenatal check-ups. Avoid factors that harm pregnancy, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and drug abuse. Take vitamin supplements as directed by your doctor. Limit caffeine intake. A recent study found that drinking more than two cups of caffeinated beverages per day was associated with an increased risk of miscarriage. Manage your own chronic disease under the direction of a specialist.

6. How to deal with unusual problems?

If any abnormal signs appear during pregnancy, visit a specialist immediately, to determine the exact problem you are having as well as give the most appropriate and timely treatment. , to ensure the best for both pregnant women and fetuses.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Articles refer to the source: Mayoclinic