How Does Miscarriage Occur?

Miscarriage: Symptoms, Causes and How to Cope

Pregnancy marks the beginning of the journey to parenthood, a time when a tiny miracle begins to grow inside you.

However, this journey isn't always smooth sailing.

For many couples, the heartbreak of miscarriage can become a devastating part of their story.😔

A miscarriage, also known as a spontaneous abortion, refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week.

Affecting up to 1 in 5 known pregnancies. the emotional impact of miscarriage is deeply personal.

Coping with loss and the physical changes can be overwhelming for both partners, we get it.

With this article, we aim to shed light on the causes of miscarriage, offering information and support for those who have experienced this loss.

What is miscarriage?

A miscarriage is a spontaneous abortion which leads to the loss of pregnancy. It affects roughly 10-20% of clinically recognised pregnancies. Most miscarriages occur in the first trimester (first 12 weeks) of pregnancy.

Symptoms of miscarriage can vary but may include vaginal bleeding, cramping, and abdominal pain.

Sometimes, there might be no noticeable symptoms, and the miscarriage is discovered during a routine prenatal checkup.

What are the causes of miscarriage?

While the emotional toll of a miscarriage can be immense, it's important to understand that it's often not caused by anything you did or didn't do. Here are some common causes of miscarriage:

1. Chromosomal abnormalities: One of the most common causes of miscarriages is chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo. Chromosomes are the microscopic structures within cells that carry our genetic information. Sometimes, errors in chromosome number or structure in the developing embryo can lead to miscarriage. These chromosomal abnormalities are usually random and not inherited from either parent. These genetic errors can occur during fertilization or early cell division, leading to an non-viable embryo that cannot develop normally.

   
   

2. Hormonal imbalances: Certain underlying medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid problems, or uterine abnormalities can increase the risk of miscarriage. Hormonal imbalances, particularly in the levels of progesterone and estrogen, can disrupt the delicate hormonal environment needed to support a healthy pregnancy. Insufficient levels of progesterone, for example, can hinder the proper development of the uterine lining, making it difficult for the embryo to implant and thrive.

   
   

3. Uterine abnormalities: Structural abnormalities in the uterus, such as fibroids, polyps, or a septate uterus, can interfere with implantation or cause complications during pregnancy. These abnormalities may create an inhospitable environment for the embryo, leading to miscarriage.

   
   

4. Maternal age: Advanced maternal age is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage. As women age, the quality of their eggs declines, making them more susceptible to chromosomal abnormalities and other pregnancy complications.

   
   

5. Maternal health conditions: Certain maternal health conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), diabetes, thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, and infections, can increase the risk of miscarriage if left untreated or unmanaged.

   
   

6. Lifestyle factors: Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, obesity, and exposure to environmental toxins can also impact pregnancy outcomes and increase the risk of miscarriage.

   
   

7. Trauma or injury: Trauma or injury to the abdomen, such as from a fall or automobile accident, can sometimes result in miscarriage, particularly during the first trimester when the embryo is more vulnerable.

   
   

8. Cervical insufficiency: In this condition, the cervix (the opening of the uterus) is unable to stay closed during pregnancy, which can lead to miscarriage.

   
   

9. Infections: Certain infections, such as rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), toxoplasmosis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can pose a risk to pregnancy and increase the likelihood of miscarriage if contracted during pregnancy.

What are some risk factors for miscarriage?

Certain factors can increase the risk of miscarriage, including:

• Age: The risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases with maternal age, especially above 35.

• Previous miscarriages: Having a history of prior miscarriages can slightly elevate the risk of another one.

• Lifestyle habits: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use can negatively impact pregnancy health and increase the risk of miscarriage.

• Uncontrolled medical conditions: As mentioned earlier, poorly managed chronic health issues like diabetes can pose a risk.

Coping with miscarriage

Navigating a miscarriage can be a deeply emotional and challenging experience for individuals and couples. Here are some steps to help navigate this difficult journey:

1. Allow yourself to grieve: Allow yourself to feel and process your emotions. Grief is a natural response to loss, and it's essential to give yourself permission to mourn the loss of your pregnancy. Allow yourself to cry, talk about your feelings, and seek support from loved ones.

2. Seek support: Lean on your partner, family members, and friends for emotional support. Talking to someone who understands and empathises with what you're going through can provide comfort and solace during this difficult time. Consider joining a support group for individuals who have experienced miscarriage, either in person or online.

3. Communicate with your healthcare provider: Reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance and support. They can provide medical information, answer your questions, and offer resources for coping with miscarriage. Your healthcare provider can also help determine if any medical intervention or follow-up care is necessary.

4. Be gentle and take care of yourself: Prioritise self-care and focus on your physical and emotional well-being. Be kind and compassionate toward yourself as you navigate the grieving process. Understand that healing takes time, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Allow yourself to move through the stages of grief at your own pace and be patient with yourself as you heal.

Get plenty of rest, eat nourishing foods, and engage in activities that bring you comfort and relaxation. Gentle exercise, such as walking or yoga, can help alleviate stress and promote emotional healing.

1. Consider counselling : Consider seeking counselling or therapy to process your emotions and work through your grief. A mental health professional experienced in pregnancy loss can provide guidance, validation, and coping strategies to help you navigate this challenging time.

2. Remember Your Partner: Remember that your partner is also grieving and may express their grief differently than you. Communicate openly and compassionately with each other, and offer each other support and understanding as you navigate this shared experience.

3. Honouring your loss: Find ways to honor and memorialise your baby. This could involve planting a tree or garden in their memory, creating a scrapbook or journal, or participating in a memorial service or ritual. Finding meaningful ways to commemorate your baby can help provide closure and healing.

Was miscarriage my fault?

In most cases, the answer is no.

Miscarriage is often caused by chromosomal abnormalities or other factors beyond your control.

Avoiding smoking, excessive alcohol, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can optimise your overall health and potentially reduce the risk of miscarriage, but these don't guarantee a successful pregnancy.

Moving Forward After Miscarriage

Having a miscarriage can be emotionally challenging, but it doesn't necessarily affect your future fertility.

Most women who experience a miscarriage go on to have healthy pregnancies. Here are some resources that can help you on your path to parenthood:

• Consult your doctor: Discuss your miscarriage with your doctor. They can address any underlying medical concerns and guide you on next steps.

• Connect with support groups: Talking to others who have experienced miscarriage can be a source of comfort and understanding.

• Consider genetic testing: If you've had multiple miscarriages, your doctor might recommend genetic testing to identify any underlying chromosomal factors.

How Arva can help you on your Trying-to-Conceive Journey

While miscarriage can be a setback, it doesn't have to derail your dreams of parenthood.

It can be hard to get up and try again, but support makes the journey a little less rocky.

Arva's Planning-to-Conceive bundle offers comprehensive support and guidance throughout, and here’s how:

• Preconception health assessment: We help you optimise your health before conception, addressing any underlying conditions that might increase the risk of miscarriage.

• Fertility education: Our team provides evidence-based information on various aspects of fertility, empowering you to make informed decisions.

• Lifestyle optimisation: We offer guidance on healthy habits like nutrition, exercise, and stress management, all of which can contribute to a healthy pregnancy.

• Emotional support: Arva understands the emotional rollercoaster of trying to conceive. Our support group and doctor network can help you navigate this journey with confidence.

At Arva, we are committed to being there and helping you be proactive about your fertility goals.

Take our fertility test today to get a sneak peek at your hormonal profile or contact us to understand how our team and network of doctors can help you better!

Remember, we’re by your side!❤️