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A miscarriage is the loss of a fetus before the 20th week of pregnancy. However, understanding what causes a miscarriage or some of the most common miscarriage signs can help you reduce the risks or at least take care of your health.
In this article, you’ll be able to identify the signs and causes of miscarriage during pregnancy.
Causes of miscarriage
- Genetic problem
- Lifestyle
- Medical condition
- Cervical insufficiency
- Hormonal imbalance
Genetic problems
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One of the main reasons of miscarriages, especially in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, is a problem with the baby’s chromosomes. If a fetus has abnormal chromosomes, in many cases it is unable to grow. While there are no precautions that could be taken to avoid the development of abnormal chromosomes that lead to miscarriage, age does play a role. The risk of chromosome problems increase greatly after the age of 35 and so does the risk of miscarriage in general.
Lifestyle
Via: The Local – Signs and causes of miscarriage
There are certain habits that should be avoided during pregnancy or could lead to miscarriage. These include heavy smoking, drinking, and drug abuse. Even if it does not cause miscarriage, it severely affects the baby’s health making it essential to stay away from it entirely.
Medical conditions
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There are several medical conditions that could cause a miscarriage in the second trimester. These include the following:
- An infection such as German measles.
- Chronic diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes that are poorly controlled.
- Thyroid problems and autoimmune diseases.
Cervical insufficiency
Via: Parsemus Foundation – Signs and causes of miscarriage
In some cases, a miscarriage is caused due to the abnormal shape of the uterus known as fibroids. Another common miscarriage problem is due to the cervix widening too early known as incompetent cervix. These miscarriage problems usually happen in the second trimester.
Hormonal imbalances
Via: Research Gate – Signs and causes of miscarriage
Hormones are essential during pregnancy to support the fetus and help the placenta take hold. However, many causes of miscarriage are due to the body’s inability to produce enough progesterone. If you’ve had multiple miscarriages, it’s best to test for it and see if you need medication to increase the production of necessary hormones.
Signs and symptoms of miscarriage
- Bleeding which progresses from light to heavy
- Discharge of fluid or tissue from your vagina
- Cramps
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Stomach aches and abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Fever
If you face any of the above symptoms, it is essential to visit a healthcare professional immediately.
Further reading: After Miscarriage: 5 Women Share Their Stories
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