Preventing Miscarraige: Spontaneous abortions also known as miscarriage, is a term used for a pregnancy that ends on its own, within the first 20 weeks of gestation.

Why do miscarriages occur ?

In a larger number of cases the reason for abortion is not known. In the first trimester, the most common cause of miscarriage is chromosomal abnormality in the baby, which occurs due to a damaged egg or sperm or a zygote. Also the other reasons for miscarriage are:

Hormonal problems, infections or maternal health problems

Lifestyle causes like smoking, drug use, malnutrition, exposure to radiation

Maternal age: too young or too old mothers. With increasing age the chances of miscarriage increases

Maternal trauma: any direct injury to the abdomen of the mother

Improper implantation of the zygote in the uterus

Previous miscarriages carry with it the risk of increased chances of aborting again

Warning signs of miscarriage

If at any stage of pregnancy you experience any of the following warning signs, immediately consult your Obstetrician.

Mild to severe back pain or cramps

Weight loss instead of gain

Blood tinged mucus

True contractions every 5-20 minutes

Brown or bright red bleeding with or without cramps

Clot like pieces passing out of the vagina

Prevention of miscarriage

Steps to prevent miscarriage before conception

Exercise regularly

Eat a balanced diet

Manage stress

Keep weight within normal limits

Take folic acid 3 months before you plan a pregnancy

Avoid smoking

Steps to prevent miscarriage after conception

Prevention may not be possible if the cause is due to chromosomal abnormality

Do not smoke or be around smokers

Do not consume alcohol

Do not take any medicines without consulting your doctor, even the ones you usually take for other chronic ailments like asthma, diabetes, etc.

Avoid excessive caffeine

If you are working in a radiology department, inform your management of your pregnancy so that you will be given a different job away from the radiation site

Avoid going to crowded places as you will contract infections, which again is harmful to the foetus

Avoid injury. Simple measures like wearing flat healed footwear can help you prevent loss of balance