Miscarriage: Causes and Symptoms

Miscarriage is a term that is used to describe a pregnancy that ends on its own, within the first twenty weeks of gestation. It is the most common type of pregnancy loss, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Sadly, miscarriage is a reality for many women. Studies show that anywhere from 10% to 25% of all clinically recognized pregnancies will end in miscarriage.  Most will occur with the first thirteen weeks of pregnancy.

The reasons for miscarriages are varied. However, the most common reason is chromosomal abnormality. Other causes can include hormonal problems, infections, maternal health problems, lifestyle, improper implantation, maternal age and maternal trauma. Some of the warning signs of a miscarriage include mild to severe back pain, weight loss, bleeding and a sudden decrease in the signs of pregnancy.

The fact that miscarriage is a common occurrence does not at all diminish the pain and disappointment felt by expectant mothers and their partners. For this reason, there are a variety of resources that are available to help couples who experience miscarriage. Often times, the reasons for miscarriage remain unknown. In other cases, the cause can be pinpointed and treatments can be used to reduce the chances of future miscarriages. If you are planning on becoming pregnant in the near future, it may be a good idea to talk to your OBGYN about how you can increase your chances of having a healthy, full-term pregnancy. Your doctor may recommend that you make certain lifestyle changes now to get your body ready for pregnancy in the future. If you have questions or concerns about your risk for miscarriage or if you are looking for resources to help you with the grief associated with miscarriage, talk to your OBGYN today.