Preventing Miscarriage
August 25, 2009
Miscarriage is the nightmare of any woman who wants to have a child. It is characterized by sudden termination of pregnancy before the fetus is capable of surviving. Miscarriage largely occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy. Nearly 20 percent pregnancies end in miscarriage.
Miscarriage causes
Separation of the fetus and placenta from the wall of the uterus causes miscarriage. Genetic defect in the fetus, which makes the fetus abnormal, is one of the major causes of miscarriage. Risk of miscarriage due to genetic abnormality is greater in women who conceive after 35 years. Most first trimester miscarriages are a result of abnormal fetus.
Miscarriages during the second trimester are largely due to health problems of the mother. Risk of miscarriage rises if the mother suffers from diabetes, hypertension, and problems of the thyroid gland, kidney diseases and lupus. Infections, such as German measles, mycoplasma can cause miscarriage.
Diseases of reproductive organs including fibroids and abnormality in the structure of the reproductive organs can be responsible for miscarriage. Drug abuse, alcoholism and smoking are some of the factors that increase the risk of miscarriage. Miscarriage can also result from emotional shock.
Miscarriage symptoms
Vaginal bleeding, pain and cramp in the lower abdomen are the common symptoms of miscarriage. However, all these symptoms would not necessarily cause miscarriage. Nearly 60 percent of pregnant women experience vaginal bleeding. However, only 10 percent of vaginal bleeding causes miscarriage.
Miscarriage prevention
Since most miscarriages are a result of natural factors, it is difficult to prevent it. Nonetheless, through proper prenatal health care you can reduce the risk of miscarriage. Controlling your blood pressure and blood sugar levels reduces the risk of miscarriage. During pregnancy, you should avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking. Any kind of viral and bacterial infections should be treated immediately.
To ensure that you are fit enough to conceive, you should start taking healthy meals several months before becoming pregnant. Diet rich in vitamins, minerals and protein could help to prepare your body to withstand the stress of pregnancy. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, walnuts and flax seeds are also beneficial for your health.
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