Miscarriages can occur in up to 15 percent of known pregnancies. Often, there is not much you can do to prevent miscarriage, but it helps to know why it happens. Here are some things that DO and DO NOT cause miscarriage:

THINGS THAT CAUSE MISCARRIAGE:

• Chromosomal Problems:

Almost 70 percent of first trimester miscarriages and 20 percent of second trimester miscarriages occur because of chromosomal problems. They may happen due to a glitch in the fetus’s genes, when sometimes the two sets of chromosomes from the egg and the sperm don’t line up right at the moment of conception. It doesn’t mean that there’s anything wrong with the mother or father, or that it will happen the next time.

• Chronic Medical Conditions:

Illnesses such as those that restrict blood flow to the uterus, may increase a woman’s chances of miscarriage. This happens because the growing fetus can’t get enough oxygen to survive. These illnesses include diabetes, thyroid disease, lupus, and heart disease, as well as UTI. Managing these conditions before and during pregnancy can reduce the risk of miscarriage.

• Hormonal Imbalance

Sometimes a woman’s body doesn’t produce enough progesterone, which is a necessary hormone to help uterine lining support the fetus. It allows the placenta to take hold. As this is not very common, women aren’t tested for it until they have had multiple miscarriages. Medication may improve the odds of a successful subsequent pregnancy.

• Excess Alcohol, Cigarette or Drug Use

A glass of wine or two before knowing that you were expecting, is unlikely to cause a miscarriage. However, exposing the fetus to large amounts of alcohol, cigarettes or drugs on a regular basis can cause miscarriage. These chemicals have a poisonous effect on the developing cells.

THINGS THAT DON’T CAUSE MISCARRIAGE:

• Exercise

Contrary to the old wives’ tales, exercise during pregnancy does not cause miscarriage. In fact, most experts agree that staying active during pregnancy can lower miscarriage risk and make mom and baby healthier, by reducing stress, aches and pains, gestational diabetes, risk, and even building up stamina for labor.

• Mood

With hormone levels surging and moodiness being a given during pregnancy, many people think that excessive bad mood may be linked to miscarriage. However, that’s not entirely true. If you experience mood swings that you can’t seem to shake off, see your doctor. As many as 10 to 20 percent of women experience depression during pregnancy – which may not trigger miscarriage or harm the baby. It is important, though, to get yourself treated by your doctor.

• Too Much Stress

Every day tension or anxiety, or stress about labor does not lead to pregnancy loss. Even with big events such as death or a spouse or a parent may not lead to miscarriage. However, external factors such a smoking, drinking or doing drugs due to extreme stress can affect fetus and cause miscarriage.

It is important to know that most miscarriages are completely random. Having one does not usually increase your odds for another pregnancy loss. After two miscarriages in a row, your risk does go up slightly but most doctors won’t start testing for genetic, uterine, or hormonal problems until you have had three miscarriages. See our experts at KIMS Cuddles to understand more about miscarriage.

*Information shared here is for general purpose Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.