Miscarriage Statistics

Miscarriage is defined as a loss of pregnancy during the first 20 weeks of gestation. A pregnancy loss post 20 weeks is referred as a stillbirth. Technically, miscarriage is just another medical accident, but for a couple who has waited long for conception, it can be a major setback. Miscarriage statistics shows that maximum (about 50 - 75%) miscarriages occur during first 2 weeks of gestation. This is often when a woman is not even aware that she is pregnant. The miscarriage bleeding is taken for a normal period, though it arrives a little late. Miscarriage is body's own mechanism of discarding an embryo which does not develop normally. There can be several reasons for miscarriage, with chromosomal abnormalities being the primary cause for early miscarriages. Maternal health and lifestyle also contributes to the miscarriage. Let us know more about statistics on miscarriage.

Miscarriage Facts and Statistics

• Every year there are about 4.4 million confirmed pregnancies in the US. Of these, 900,000 to 1 million result in miscarriages.
• Women of childbearing age have 15 - 20% chances of a miscarriage. The chances during second pregnancy get slightly elevated at 25%. The probability of miscarriage for next pregnancy goes on increasing with each miscarriage.
• About 80% of women who have had one miscarriage earlier can have successful pregnancy the next time.
• The term recurrent miscarriage refers to three or more miscarriages. Women who have had recurrent miscarriages have a miscarriage rate of 40% for their next pregnancy.
• This rate drops down to 13%, if you have had more than one live births.
• About 60 - 70% of women who have had recurrent miscarriages will go on to successfully carry the baby to full 9 months, at some point of time in their lives.
• Older women are at a higher risk of miscarriage than younger women. Women over 40 years of age have 50% chances of miscarrying a baby.
• About 75% of all miscarriages, occur during the first trimester only.
• Chances of miscarriage during 12 to 20 weeks is only 3%.
• Chances of stillbirth after 20 weeks drop to mere 1%.
• Miscarriage statistics after a heartbeat is detected is less than 4%. If you hear a strong heartbeat on the ultrasound around 9 to 12 weeks, then you have very little chance of miscarriage.

Statistics on miscarriage give you only a generalized idea about miscarriages. They may not always apply to your individual condition. If your earlier miscarriage was due to hormonal abnormalities or some other medical condition, then you can treat these condition prior to trying conceiving the next time. You are at less risk of miscarrying if you are in a good mental and physical health. Your doctor will find the causes for the previous miscarriage and treat you accordingly. He will also guide you on how to avoid miscarriage if you conceive this time. This will help you to prepare yourself for a successful pregnancy. Drinking, smoking, substance abuse etc. have an adverse effect on the developing embryo. You are at a very high risk of miscarriage if you continue these addictions throughout your pregnancy. Even if you succeed in carrying your pregnancy to full term, your baby will most likely be born with certain birth defects. Hence, you should steer clear of these addictions from the moment you decide to have a baby. Eliminating the ill effects of these addictions from your body and preparing it for a successful pregnancy is very important.

Do not get dishearten if the miscarriage statistics appear grim for your case. You can always start afresh and consult your OB-GYN for a successful pregnancy. Do not blame yourself if something goes wrong, for miscarriage cannot be prevented. However, you can take good care of yourself so that your body can successfully carry your baby to full term.