Miscarriages, also known as sudden abortion is the death of the fetus inside the womb within 20 weeks of pregnancy. Miscarriages occur mainly during the first trimester, some in the 2nd trimester. The reasons are different for the first and second trimester of pregnancy.
1st-trimester miscarriage:
Chromosomal problems:
The developing fetus receives one set of chromosomes from the mother and another from the father.
Miscarriages can occur when the fetus has some chromosomal defects. This is the commonest cause in the 1st trimester. There are 46 XX or 46 XY chromosomes. There can be structural defects or there can be addition or deletion leading to numerical defects.
Progesterone deficiency in cases like PCOS.
Other causes may include medical problems like diabetes or thyroid problems faced by the mother
Most first trimester miscarriages are caused due to the abnormal developing fetus. Single gene disorders and chromosome issues can interfere in the development of the fetus.
Damaged egg or sperm can also lead to failure in the development of the fetus.
Blood coagulation disorders like APLA syndrome and thrombophilias.
Some Examples of these chromosomal abnormalities leading to miscarriages are as follows-
Blighted ovum: No embryo forms at all.
Molar pregnancy: a condition in which the fetus will have both the sets of chromosomes from the father leading to no development.
Partial molar pregnancy: where the father provides two sets of chromosomes along with the mother chromosomes being there.
2nd Trimester miscarriage:
A weakness of the cervix or mouth of the uterus usually referred to the short cervix or cervical insufficiency is the most important cause. Weakness can be due to repeated D and C or any procedure requiring dilatation of the cervix, or any cervical biopsy.
Uterine infections called TORCH infections, sexually transmitted diseases, vaginal and cervical infections which may be asymptomatic can causes miscarriage in the 5th or 6th month.
Placental infections due to the above reasons can also cause miscarriage.
There are certain risk factors leading to miscarriages. These include smoking, consumption of alcohol, and excessive intake of caffeine, being overweight or underweight. Following a healthy diet and regular exercise is the best you can do when trying to conceive.
Types of miscarriages
Very early pregnancy loss: Miscarriage can occur even before a woman misses her periods or shows early symptoms of pregnancy. It may just go as a heavy period.
Biochemical pregnancy: The pregnancy test becomes positive and then the beta hCG hormone levels drop.
Clinical pregnancy: The gestational sac is seen on ultrasound and then bleeding happens.
Missed miscarriage: Pregnancy is confirmed on ultrasound and then the heartbeat stops with no signs of bleeding.
Symptoms and signs
Symptoms of miscarriage may vary in women. In some cases, miscarriage happens so quickly that you may not even know you're pregnant before you miscarry. There are symptoms recognized when you miscarry late during the first trimester or 2nd trimester of pregnancy.
These symptoms are as follows:
Cramps and severe pain in the abdomen
Pain in the back and lower back
Unexplained weakness
Heavy vaginal bleeding
Tissue discharge with clots
If you are expecting and observe or suffer from any of the above-mentioned symptoms, then you should consult your gynecologist immediately.
How to prevent miscarriage?
Consuming a healthy diet, following a proper sleep pattern, regular exercise or walking and taking good care during pregnancy is essential for preventing miscarriages.
Good progesterone hormone support is essential.
Low dose aspirin and heparin for blood coagulation and autoimmune disorders.
Genetic tests and chromosomal testing of the couple and selecting good embryo after IVF treatment.
Of severe genetic disorder in both couples or in family, to opt for donor gamete in IVF.
