Miscarriage is not your fault

Causes of Miscarriage

Nobody knows any single reason that causes miscarriage. In fact, some miscarriages occur without anyone being able to identify a reason for the tragedy. Known reasons for miscarriage included genetic defects, abnormalities of the uterus, hormonal imbalances, infections in any part of the reproductive tract, or even simple rejection of the fetus.

Whenever a woman miscarries it is usually not possible to determine a specific reason that the tragedy occurred. It can be any one (or a multiple of) any of the risk factors mentioned in this article. It is important that when the tragedy of a miscarriage occurs that fingers are not pointed and that the grieving couple just get on with it and try again. This is not to suggest that they should not take heed of the warnings found below, but nothing can be gained by anyone by attributing retrospective blame.

Miscarriage in the First Trimester

Most miscarriages (around 70%) occur in the first three months of pregnancy. Over 50% of embryos miscarried in the first trimester are occasioned because the fetus has some chromosomal abnormalities. Around 95% of fetus's with genetic problems miscarry. Generally these genetic abnormalities occur by chance, having nothing to do with the genetic make up of either parent. Such cases are unlikely to re-occur. However, there are some miscarriages caused by defects in parental genes. In these cases further miscarriages are likely to repeat. Genetic issues are more evident with older parents. This is a problem for our modern era where women have their children much later than they did in earlier generations.

Progesterone deficiency is another cause of first trimester miscarriage. Women suffering from this problem are often prescribed supplemental progesterone but there is little evidence to suggest that this helps.

Miscarriage in the Second Trimester

The main causes of miscarriage in the second trimester tend to be problems with the umbilical cord, cervical issues, fibroids, problems with the placenta or other uterine malfunctions.

General Risk Factors that may result in Miscarriage

Multiple fetus pregnancies
Sugar diabetes (particularly if not controlled)
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
High blood pressure during pregnancy (preeclampsia)
Hypothyroidism
Auto Immune Diseases
Rubella
Chlamydia
Lupus
Cigarette smoking ( including father)
Cocaine use
Physical trauma
Anti-depressants (especially Paroxetine and Venlafaxine)
IUD (Intrauterine device) use at time of conception
Age of mother (rates of miscarriage increase with mother's age)


Other Suspected Risk Factors
Morning sickness (or Nausia and vomiting of pregnancy) is associated with a lower risk of miscarriage
Vigorous exercise (other than swimming) is associated with higher risk of miscarriage in the first eighteen weeks of the pregnancy.
Studies have shown that caffeine consumption is associated with miscarriage. This is particularly true with higher levels of intake. Maximum consumption of coffee should be no more than two cups a day or five cups of tea. Please note that this is a very general guide. If consumption of coffee and/or tea are a part of your daily practice you should consult your medical adviser.



Diane Papps is a prolific writer on women's issues in our modern society. Follow the link for more of her writings on fertility issues.