Why miscarriage happen

This is a complex process, and a minor glitch can result in a genetic or chromosomal abnormality. While some chromosomal abnormalities are compatible with life such as trisomy 21, the most common type of Down syndrome , other chromosomal disorders are simply not.

Miscarriages caused by chromosomal abnormalities happen more often in women older than The frequency of miscarriage in women below age 20 is around 12 to 15 percent and doubles as the woman approaches age There is nothing that can be done to prevent miscarriage due to a chromosomal abnormality and once a miscarriage has begun there is nothing one can do to stop it. Whether it be hypothyroidism too low or hyperthyroidism too high , thyroid disorders can lead to problems with infertility or cause recurrent miscarriages.

The Malpani Infertility Clinic's website explains that in cases where a woman's thyroid function is low, her body will try to compensate by producing hormones that can actually suppress ovulation. Conversely, a thyroid that is producing too many hormones can interfere with estrogen's ability to do its job, and it may make the uterus unfavorable for implantation or lead to abnormal uterine bleeding. Zobel says. A less common cause of miscarriage can be physical problems with the mother, reports Dr.

Nowacki, adding that this usually occurs in the second or third trimester. Here are some examples:. A doctor can determine uterine defects through specialized X-rays before pregnancy. Most cases can be treated, which may reduce the risk of miscarriage. Like physical abnormalities, miscarriages from blood clotting disorders such as Factor V Leiden , are more rare, but they do occur. Nowacki, "But they're just not as common as the other reasons.

Sometimes a woman's body doesn't produce enough of the hormone progesterone, which is necessary to help the uterine lining to support the fetus and help the placenta take hold. Medication may improve the odds of a successful subsequent pregnancy.

Some lifestyle habits—such as drug abuse, alcohol use during pregnancy , and smoking— have been found to cause early miscarriage and pregnancy loss in later trimesters. Optimizing your health leading up to your pregnancy could help reduce your risk of miscarriage. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists thinks that certain autoimmune disorders play a role in miscarriage, especially with recurrent miscarriages.

Although the exact role of immunologic factors in miscarriage is "complicated," according to Dr. Why Do Miscarriages Happen? Can Miscarriages Be Prevented? Take prenatal vitamins daily. Exercise regularly after you've gotten your doctor's OK. Keep a healthy weight. Pregnant women who are overweight or too thin may be more likely to have miscarriages.

Avoid drugs and alcohol. Avoid deli meats and unpasteurized soft cheeses such as feta and other foods that could carry listeriosis. Limit caffeine intake. If you smoke, quit. Talk to your doctor about all medicines you take. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, many prescription and over-the-counter medicines should be avoided during pregnancy. Avoid activities that could cause you to get hit in the belly. Know your family medical and genetic history. Go to all of your scheduled prenatal visits and discuss any concerns with your doctor.

Call your doctor right away if you have fever; feel ill; notice the baby moving less; or have bleeding, spotting, or cramping. Trying Again After a Miscarriage If you've had a miscarriage, take time to grieve.

Some other things that can help you get through this difficult time: Find a support group. Ask your doctor about local support groups for women who are trying again after a loss. Find success stories. Other women who have had a successful pregnancy after having a miscarriage can be a great source of encouragement.

Your doctor might know someone to talk with. Sometimes something can go wrong at the point of conception and the foetus receives too many or not enough chromosomes. The reasons for this are often unclear, but it means the foetus will not be able to develop normally, resulting in a miscarriage. This is very unlikely to recur. It does not necessarily mean there's any problem with you or your partner. The placenta is the organ linking the mother's blood supply to her baby's.

If there's a problem with the development of the placenta, it can also lead to a miscarriage. An early miscarriage may happen by chance. But there are several things known to increase your risk of problems happening. Food poisoning , caused by eating contaminated food, can also increase the risk of miscarriage. For example:. Read more about foods to avoid in pregnancy. To be sure a medicine is safe in pregnancy, always check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before taking it.

Read more about medicines during pregnancy. Problems and abnormalities with your womb can also lead to second trimester miscarriages. Possible problems include:.