Reasons for Miscarriage

The loss or end of a pregnancy before 24 weeks is referred to as a miscarriage. A fetus cannot survive outside the uterus before 24 weeks of gestation. Miscarriages are also known as spontaneous abortions, as they can occur without warning. In most cases, miscarriages occur before the end of first trimester, meaning before the 12th week of pregnancy. These miscarriages are known as early miscarriages. In less common cases, miscarriages occur during the second trimester and are known as late miscarriages. A possibility of miscarriage in the third trimester is very rare. This Buzzle article will enumerate the major cause of miscarriages that are witnessed.

A miscarriage my occur due to various reasons. Some of the physical causes of miscarriage are given below.

• Hormonal imbalance
• Chromosomal abnormalities
• Genetic tendency
• Problems in the uterus

Early Miscarriage
An early miscarriage may occur due to minor trauma, sexually transmitted diseases or drug abuse. Chromosomal abnormality is one of the most common reasons of miscarriages. About 70% of first trimester miscarriages result from chromosomal defects. Hormonal imbalance is also responsible for miscarriages in the first trimester. Hormonal imbalance is due to a deficiency of progesterone, which makes the uterine environment less receptive. Apart from these, the occurrence of a miscarriage also depends on the age of the woman and the kind of environment that she lives in.

Late Miscarriage
Late miscarriages, i.e., in the second trimester of pregnancy can be caused due to:

• Low-lying placenta, which causes bleeding
• Incompetent os, i.e., weakness in the cervical muscles leading to an inability to bear the fetus
• Hydramnios (excessive amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac)
• Lifting heavy weights

Other Causes of Miscarriages

• Blighted ovum (pregnancy sac without fetus)
• Multiple pregnancies
• Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy developed in the fallopian tubes, ovaries or abdomen)
• Hydatidiform mole (mass growing inside the uterus)
• Hughes syndrome
• History of miscarriage
• Infections such as measles, rubella or listeria, fibroids, etc.

There are other factors like stress, smoking, alcoholism, drug abuse, etc. which increase the chances of miscarriages. Women suffering from diabetes, sexually transmitted diseases and other autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus are at a greater risk of miscarriages.

Take good care of your body and mind during pregnancy and stay away from anything that could prove to be detrimental to you and the baby. Consult your doctor if you think something may be wrong. Take care.