Basically, miscarriage refers to the loss of pregnancy before the fifth month. Most miscarriages occur even before the pregnancy reaches its third month of development. Unfortunately, miscarriage is very common. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), about fifteen percent of known pregnancies around the globe lead to a miscarriage.

Misconceptions about miscarriage

Some people believe that women should ultimately change their everyday routine once they get pregnant. Most people think that pregnant women should ultimately resort to resting, eating, and relaxation primarily because routine activities may cause miscarriage. However, such is not really true.

In contrast, exercising, working, lifting things, and having sex will not cause a miscarriage. A fall or any other injuries which are not fatal will not cause miscarriage as well. Basically, if the woman is not diagnosed to have a threatened miscarriage, routine activities which the woman usually does prior to her pregnancy should be continued.

What usually cause the loss of pregnancy are problems with the fetal development. The most common problems are abnormalities in the chromosomes and genes of the developing fetus. In some rare cases, diabetes, infections, blood-clotting problems, cervical problems, and thyroid diseases may also cause this pregnancy problem.

A heightened risk for miscarriage

If you are under the following circumstances, you are considered to be at a high risk for miscarriage:

a. Old age. Note that the couple’s age affects the chances for miscarriage. A woman aged 35 or more will have high risk pregnancies. Also, if the woman’s partner is aged 40 or older, miscarriage may happen as well.

b. A history of miscarriage. Women who have experienced previous miscarriages twice or more, have higher risk for another miscarriage. Women should undergo tests if subsequent miscarriages happen.

c. Chronic conditions and other health problems. If the woman has diabetes, thyroid diseases and other chronic diseases, then the pregnancy may lead to a miscarriage. Uterine abnormalities and cervical infections may also increase the risk.

d. Smoking, alcohol intake, and drug abuse. Pregnant women who smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs are at a higher risk of miscarriage than women who don’t. Such chemicals introduced by these habits can cause fetal abnormalities.

e. Caffeine consumption. Although studies have not provided conclusive results, some experts say that excessive caffeine consumption also increases the risk of a miscarriage. GP