What is Miscarriage - Know Its Cause, Symptoms & Prevention Tips

• Written by Jagriti Chakraborty

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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Women experience various health conditions before and after pregnancy, making them vulnerable to unfortunate events that can hinder their journey to motherhood.. During pregnancy, many fear multiple complications, and miscarriage is one of the most prevalent and often not discussed. Moreover, 15% of pregnancies lead to miscarriage for mostly unknown reasons. Miscarriages commonly occur in the early days or weeks of pregnancy. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following certain precautions during early pregnancy to avoid miscarriage can potentially reduce the risk. 

In this article, we will shed some light on the causes that lead to miscarriage, symptoms and how you can avoid miscarriage in each trimester of pregnancy.

What is Miscarriage?

A spontaneous abortion, also known as a miscarriage, occurs when a pregnancy ends unexpectedly within the first 20 weeks of gestation. A miscarriage does not imply wrongdoing; most miscarriages occur due to unknown reasons or when the fetus stops developing.

Knowledge empowers expecting mothers.look at the different types of miscarriage to identify early signs and seek timely care. 

Types of Miscarriage

Miscarriage can be classified as follows:

• Complete Miscarriage - You will experience bleeding and pass fetal tissue through your uterus, with no remaining tissue. Your healthcare provider will confirm this with an ultrasound.
• Missed Miscarriage - You may not realise you have had a miscarriage. There might be no specific symptoms, but an ultrasound will confirm the absence of a fetal heartbeat..
• Inevitable Miscarriage - You will experience cramping, and your cervix will dilate. You may also leak amniotic fluid, resulting in a complete miscarriage.
• Threatened Miscarriage - Your cervix will not dilate, but you will experience bleeding and pelvic cramping. In this case, the pregnancy may continue without complications, but close monitoring is necessary.
• Recurrent Miscarriage - Three consecutive miscarriages are defined as recurrent miscarriages, affecting approximately 1% of couples.

Miscarriage Symptoms

You may experience the following symptoms during a miscarriage:

• Bleeding that progresses from light to heavy, sometimes with blood clots or greyish tissue.
• Abdominal pain and cramping, often more intense than menstrual cramps.
• Lower backache that can range from mild to severe.
• No symptoms of pregnancy

If you experience any alarming symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

What are the Causes of Miscarriage?

Chromosomal abnormalities in the first trimester of pregnancy cause 50% of miscarriages. Chromosomes, found within the body's cells, are responsible for defining characteristics including eye colour, blood type, hair, and gender. An abnormal chromosome count in the sperm or eggs can prevent pregnancy from progressing. 

Other common causes include: 

• Age (The risk of miscarriage grows with the maternal age). 
• Infection (rubella, syphilis, herpes, etc.)
• Hormonal imbalance
• Uterine abnormalities
• Cervical insufficiency
• Lupus (a disorder of the immune system)
• Unhealthy lifestyle ( alcohol, smoking or drug use)
• Diabetes, kidney or Thyroid disorder 
• Radiation or certain medicines like Accutane 
• Extreme malnutrition

Even though exercise, stress or birth control pills may not cause miscarriage, it’s still recommended to follow precautions to prevent miscarriage by adopting healthy practices. 

>> Read More: How to Claim the Maternity Cover in Health Insurance?

 Most Common Cause of Miscarriage 

Each trimester of miscarriage brings its own set of challenges. Being aware of trimester-specific miscarriage helps the expectant mother to safeguard pregnancy more effectively. 

First Trimester: 

Considering the most delicate stage of pregnancy, the first trimester is often linked to chromosomal issues. 

• Chromosomal abnormalities: Genetic anomalies, which can disrupt proper embryo development, cause more than half of first-trimester miscarriages.
• Hormonal imbalance: Low levels of essential hormones, such as progesterone, can impede proper fetal growth. Uterine abnormalities: Issues, such as a septate uterus or fibroids, may hinder implantation.
• Infections: Certain infections, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), can contribute to miscarriage.
• Lifestyle: Substance abuse, excessive alcohol consumption, and tobacco use can increase the risk of miscarriage.

Second Trimester

The second-trimester miscarriage is closely associated with physical or medical conditions. The following are a few causes mentioned: 

• Cervical Insufficiency: A weak or short cervix that dilates prematurely can lead to miscarriage.
• Uterine Anomalies: Structural irregularities in the uterus may contribute to fetal development. 
• Placental Issues: Conditions such as placental abruption can reduce the supply of necessary nutrients and oxygen to the fetus.
• Infections: Uterine or systemic infections during pregnancy can result in pregnancy loss.
• Health factors: Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid disorders can lead to complications.

Third Trimester

Although by the third trimester, pregnancy becomes more pronounced, serious complications can still cause pregnancy loss. 

• Placental Abruption: Premature separation of the placenta from the uterus is one of the primary causes of third-trimester miscarriages.
• Severe Infections: Severe infections, such as listeriosis, can lead to stillbirth. 
• Uterine Rupture: A life-threatening condition, often linked to previous c-sections, can also result in pregnancy loss. 
• Trauma: Physical injuries or accidents can also lead to pregnancy loss.
• Preeclampsia: High blood pressure during pregnancy can also result in severe pregnancy complications, including miscarriage.

How to Prevent Miscarriage? 

Not all miscarriages can be prevented; however, the expectant mother can take the following precautions during early pregnancy to avoid miscarriage and protect the baby:

• Attend all prenatal care appointments.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet is essential. 
• Avoid alcohol and smoking (What to avoid to prevent miscarriage)
• Take prescribed vitamins and other supplements regularly.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle by engaging in regular light exercise.

In addition to these preventive measures, consider adopting the best sleeping positions to minimise the risk of miscarriage. Typically, it is recommended to lie on the left side, as this position improves blood flow to the baby. 

In the earliest stages of pregnancy, it is crucial to prioritise gentle care, adequate rest, and a balanced diet. During this delicate period, it is essential to avoid stress, heavy lifting, and exposure to harmful substances. 

Most Common Myths About Miscarriage

Many myths surround miscarriage, causing misunderstanding and stress. Being informed enables families to make informed decisions.  Here are some of the widespread misconceptions:

Myth 1: Having one miscarriage increases the likelihood of having another.

Fact - The risk of another miscarriage is not significantly increased after one miscarriage. Women experiencing recurrent miscarriages should consult with their healthcare provider to identify the root causes and how to minimise the chances.

Myth 2: Conception should be delayed for at least three months after a miscarriage.

Fact - Conception can be attempted again once the blood test (serum beta-hCG) returns to zero, which typically occurs within a few weeks to a month. However, couples concerned about how to avoid miscarriage in future pregnancies should discuss the suitable time with their medical practitioners. 

Myth 3: Any bleeding or spotting during pregnancy indicates a miscarriage.

Fact - Vaginal bleeding can occur in the first trimester, and in some cases, even heavy bleeding may not indicate a miscarriage. Knowing why miscarriages happen can ease undue anxiety in early pregnancy. 

Myth 4: Miscarriages are infrequent occurrences.

Fact - Miscarriages are common, occurring in 10-15% of pregnancies. Some miscarriages occur so early that women may not even realise they were pregnant. Awareness about how to reduce the risk of miscarriage is crucial for ensuring prenatal care. 

Myth 5: All miscarriages are unavoidable.

Fact - While many miscarriages cannot be prevented, lifestyle choices like alcohol, smoking or inadequate nutrition may contribute to high risk. Following good health practices and attending regular medical checkups can help minimise the possibility of miscarriage.

Maternity Coverage for Peace 

Understanding why miscarriages happen and guidance on how to sustain a healthy pregnancy are vital. Experiencing emotional distress is natural for families following a miscarriage, but it's important to stay hopeful. A miscarriage does not imply the end of the journey to motherhood.

For couples planning to start a family, it's wise to purchase maternity health insurance in advance for peace of mind. Care Health Insurance's JOY maternity health insurance plan helps families prepare in advance, supporting pregnancy costs while minimising stress. 

Disclaimer: The information mentioned above is for reference purposes only. Please carefully verify the policy details with the official prospectus and read the terms and conditions. Claim approval is subject to the underwriter’s discretion.