Date Posted: 7/2/2012 3:45:21 PM
Posted By: meg soni Membership Level: Gold Total Points: 2477
Miscarriage is quite common,about one in five pregnancies end in miscarriage.Miscarriage causes a lot of distress to the women affected even though it occurs in the first three months of pregnancy.Many feel angry,depressed and guilty and the fact that in most cases the doctors cannot pinpoint the real cause of miscarriage does not help.Studies have linked miscarriage to smoking,drinking,too much caffeine,stress and even overwork,but more studies need to be done to conclusively link these to miscarriage.Doctors know that 60 percent of early miscarriages are due to genetic 'accidents' where something goes wrong when the genes from the egg and the sperm cross over to form a new set of genes for the growing embryo.It is nature''s way of discarding an abnormal pregnancy.Other women have an overactive immune system,producing antibodies that,in some cases,attack the foetus. If identified,such immune problems can sometimes be treated with doses of aspirin and heparin,a blood-thinning agent.Other known miscarriage triggers include hormone problems and a weak cervix,where the neck of the womb is not strong enough to retain the weight of the developing baby and opens too soon.This can be treated by a cervical stitch to keep the cervix closed.The risk of miscarriage also increases as you get older.Research suggests the level of risk doubles between your twenties and early thirties,and doubles again by your late thirties.The greatest risk of miscarriage is between six and eight weeks when about 78 percent of the miscarriages take place.Miscarriage is also linked to lifestyle.Some studies have established that women who smoke are twice as likely to miscarry.Women smoking up to 13 cigarettes a day have a 1.3 times greater risk of miscarriage.This rise to 1.6 for those smoking more than 13 cigarettes.Chemicals from cigarettes in the mother''s bloodstream cross the placenta and enter the foetus'' blood vessels causing them to constrict,so less oxygen and fewer nutrients reach the foetus.High caffeine intake has also been linked to miscarriage.Pregnant women run double the risk of miscarriage if they have an equivalent of six or more cups of coffee a day did not increase the risk of miscarriage.The chances of miscarriage appears to be higher on heavy drinkers.Alcohol can enter the foetus'' bloodstream and is most harmful in the first trimester,when the vital organs such as heart and lungs are being formed.Other studies suggest there are links to stress,and even certain professions,such as those working in chemical factories or using chemicals in farms or flying such as stewardesses,but there are no conclusive results.Can miscarriage be avoided?Medical tests are available to assess some risk factors.A blood sample can determine hormone imbalance and immune system,or genetic abnormalities.Ultrasound scans can check for womb abnormalities,such as fibroids or a weak cervix.These tests are not routinely available and in many cases are offered to women who have had three or more miscarriages.Around one in 20 women have problem antibodies but these do not always lead to miscarriage.Screening of antibodies is expensive therefore it is not routinely done.Even though aspirin is effective treatment for women with problem antibodies,giving it routinely to pregnant women could in itself cause problems and therefore it is not recommended.Women can reduce their chances of a miscarriage by carefully planning their pregnancy. Pre-conceptual care is important and one should start at least three months before conception.You should start by having a medical check up to rule out any reproductive tract infections or other diseases that could cause a miscarriage or give birth to an abnormal child.Such infections should be treated first before conception.Taking care of your diet should be the next step.Recommended are vitamin supplements and adequate folic acid to aid foetal development.You should not put any toxins in your body and you should therefore avoid smoking and reduce intake of alcohol and caffeine.You should also avoid conceiving when you are on prescription drugs.Pregnancy should occur when you are in good health and physical fit.You should start light exercise routines but avoid strenuous work-outs because this could delay your conception.You should reduce as much stress in your life as possible as stress is thought to cause miscarriage.
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