It’s important to be aware of the early signs of miscarriage, which can often be noticed through changes in your body. In this article, let’s explore the easily recognizable signs of miscarriage and effective prevention methods.
1. What is a Miscarriage?
What is a Miscarriage?
Miscarriage, also known as spontaneous abortion, refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. It’s important to know that having a miscarriage does not mean you won’t be able to get pregnant again. In fact, up to 87% of women who have had a miscarriage go on to have successful pregnancies and carry their babies to term.
2. Common Types of Miscarriage
Common Types of Miscarriage
Depending on the stage of pregnancy and specific symptoms, doctors can identify different types of miscarriage. Here are the common types:
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Complete Miscarriage: This is when the embryonic tissue is completely expelled from the mother’s body.
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Incomplete Miscarriage: The mother’s body expels some embryonic tissue, but some remains in the uterus.
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Missed Miscarriage: The embryo stops developing, but the placenta and embryonic tissue remain in the uterus.
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Threatened Miscarriage: The cervix does not dilate, but there is abnormal vaginal bleeding. With timely detection and treatment, the pregnancy can often be saved.
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Infected Miscarriage: The uterus becomes infected due to retained embryonic tissue.
3. Causes of Miscarriage
Causes of Miscarriage
Embryos require a combination of chromosomes from both mother and father to develop properly. If there is an issue with either set of chromosomes, it can lead to abnormalities and miscarriage. Additionally, these abnormalities can result in conditions such as:
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Intrauterine Fetal Demise
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Atretic Follicle
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Molar Pregnancy
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Damaged Egg or Sperm Cell
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Pathology
During pregnancy, poor self-care or serious health conditions can also increase the risk of miscarriage. Unhealthy lifestyles and medical issues that can contribute to miscarriage include:
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Inadequate nutrition or maternal malnutrition during pregnancy
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Maternal obesity
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Substance abuse, including alcohol and drugs
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Thyroid disorders
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Diabetes
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Maternal infections or trauma
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Abnormally shaped uterus
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Severe maternal hypertension
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Use of certain medications harmful to the fetus
4. Who is at Risk of Miscarriage?
Who is at Risk of Miscarriage?
Several factors can increase the risk of miscarriage, including:
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Age: As maternal age increases, so does the risk of miscarriage. Statistics show that 20% of recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage at age 35, rising to 40% at age 40 and 80% at age 45.
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Chronic Illness: Conditions like diabetes and hypothyroidism during pregnancy significantly raise the risk of miscarriage.
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Uterine and Cervical Issues: Abnormalities in the cervix or uterus can make miscarriage more likely.
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Substance Use: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use are major risk factors for miscarriage.
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Additionally, invasive prenatal tests such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling can increase the risk of miscarriage.
5. Easily Recognizable Signs of Miscarriage
Easily Recognizable Signs of Miscarriage
Weeks 2–4
In the first few weeks after conception, most women are unaware of their pregnancy as they haven’t missed a period yet. If a miscarriage occurs during this time, it is often called a “chemical pregnancy,” and it can be difficult to distinguish from a regular menstrual period.
Weeks 4–12
If you know you are pregnant and experience vaginal bleeding, abdominal or pelvic cramps, and back pain, you may be having a miscarriage. Additionally, the disappearance of common pregnancy symptoms like breast tenderness, nausea, and fatigue could indicate a miscarriage.
Weeks 13–20
After the 13th week of pregnancy, vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and back pain are clear signs of a possible miscarriage. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
6. How to Prevent Miscarriage
How to Prevent Miscarriage
Supplement with Folic Acid
Taking at least 400 mcg of folic acid daily can help prevent birth defects and significantly reduce the risk of miscarriage.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is one of the most effective ways to prevent miscarriage. Limit your consumption of alcohol and tobacco, and focus on eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole foods.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity and being overweight increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Maintaining a stable BMI before and during pregnancy can help lower the chances of miscarriage.
Prevent Infections
Frequent handwashing with soap and water or hand sanitizer can reduce the risk of respiratory infections like colds, flu, and bronchitis.
Additionally, ensure you are up to date with vaccinations before becoming pregnant to protect against diseases like measles, chickenpox, and hepatitis.
Manage Chronic Conditions
Address and manage any health conditions that could impact your pregnancy, such as hypertension and diabetes, to lower the risk of miscarriage.
Practice Safe Sex
Use protection during sexual intercourse to prevent sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea, syphilis, and genital warts, which can increase the risk of miscarriage.
7. What to Do After a Miscarriage
What to Do After a Miscarriage
Take Time to Rest
It’s crucial to take adequate time to rest and recover physically after a miscarriage. Avoid strenuous activities that can cause further exhaustion and increase the risk of gynecological issues.
Maintain a Nutritious Diet
Your body loses a lot of energy and nutrients during a miscarriage, leading to exhaustion. Focus on replenishing your body with a balanced diet that includes proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and vitamins.
Emotional Recovery
A miscarriage can take a toll on your mental health. It’s important to process your emotions and gradually come to terms with your loss to restore your emotional well-being.
This article has provided an overview of miscarriage, including common signs and prevention methods. Remember, understanding the signs and taking proactive steps can make a significant difference. Stay informed and take care of yourself and your baby!
Source: tamanhhospital.vn
