Chances of Miscarriage

During pregnancy it is very normal that you may have a fear of losing your little baby growing inside you. This fear, is the reason you keep checking for bleeding or spotting every time you go to the bathroom. This is a very normal and common reaction, especially for women who have had previous miscarriages. However, you shouldn't worry, because every spot of blood or abdominal cramp is not a sign of miscarriage. Even women with healthy pregnancies experience light bleeding which is called implantation bleeding during early pregnancy period. This is caused with baby implanting into the blood-vessel-rich lining of the uterus, so spotting is possibly observed in some women. Let us know more about chances of miscarriage and precaution to avoid miscarriage.

What are the Chances of Having Miscarriage?
Every pregnant women has a fear of having a miscarriage. The chances of having a miscarriage depend on the age of the mother to some extent. Women within the standard childbearing age of 18 to 35 years have 10 to 25 percent risk of having a miscarriage. Women between the age of 35 to 45 have 20 to 35 percent chances of miscarriage. The chances might go up to 50 percent when a woman reaches age 46 and above. But, there are definitely many other factors that can increase chances of having a miscarriage and reducing the likeliness of having full term pregnancy.

Causes of Miscarriage
Chromosomal abnormality is the most common cause of miscarriage during the first trimester. Chromosomal abnormality means there is something within the baby's chromosomes, which isn't the way it is supposed to be and due to the same further baby development has become impossible. Miscarriages that occur in the third trimester are mostly due to an illness of mother, rather than any genetic abnormalities in baby. Women with poorly controlled diabetes have greater risk of having a miscarriage.

Some other diseases and conditions like high blood pressure, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and certain infections like rubella (German measles), herpes simplex, and chlamydia might increase the risk of miscarriage. If there is some problem in the uterus or cervix then the miscarriage chances are higher. Fibroid or noncancerous growths made of uterine muscle tissue can be one of the cause of miscarriage. A weak cervix that widens too early during pregnancy without any warning signs of labor, releasing the fetus from the uterus can also lead to miscarriage. Other things which may lead to miscarriage include the following:

• Fever over 100F
• Multiple pregnancy
• Stress and trauma during pregnancy
• Drugs, smoking, excessive caffeine
• Improper diet
• Exposure to toxic chemicals or radiations
• Hormonal Imbalance
• Improper implantation of the egg
• Problem in the uterus or cervix

Ways to Decrease Chances of Miscarriage
First you must understand that there are no sure-fire ways on how to avoid a miscarriage. However, there are definitely a few things that you can do in order to decrease the risk of miscarriage. The most important thing is keeping yourself healthy. If your body is healthy, it will provide the best condition for your baby to grow and develop. Proper development and healthy growth of baby is very much related to your intake of food. Go for a healthy diet during pregnancy. To stay healthy or improve your health, a regular exercise regimen is very essential. You can ask your doctor about pregnancy exercises suitable for you. These two factors will help you keep your weight within limit. You can do some relaxing exercises like meditation or yoga to manage stress.

Keep yourself away from drugs, alcohol, smoking, and foods that are not good for your health. Eliminating intake of caffeine is the best step towards a healthy you! Do not indulge in any activity that can cause stress to your body. Do not engage in sports or any such activities. Stay away from people who are smoking cigarettes. Never take over the counter medications or even any prescription medicines without asking your doctor.

Remember that each woman has her own set of risks of miscarriage. Maintaining your overall health and avoid any risky situations to reduce miscarriage chances. Once your pregnancy is confirmed, you have to follow each instruction of your doctor to have a safe pregnancy and childbirth. The routine blood tests, urine tests and sonography as recommended by your doctor will help identify any problem in pregnancy. So stay healthy and have a healthy baby!