Multiple miscarriages can be quite an emotional and physical ordeal for any couple, and no one can tell you how to cope with them. While time may heal the emotional wounds, people often look for ways to tackle the physical challenges which might remain with them for a very long time.
A miscarriage can be a heart-rending experience. It crushes the soul, demolishes the spirits, and makes way for stress and anxiety. Plus, the physical effect of miscarriage is a different story altogether.
While dealing with one miscarriage can be a toilsome experience, multiple, recurrent miscarriages can push any couple into a world filled with darkness and hopelessness.
Here Are The Most Common Causes Of Multiple Miscarriages
There are many causes of miscarriage. The underlying reason for a miscarriage is not always known. Often times, the cause is because of an abnormality with the baby. As upsetting as this can be, there is often no explanation for what caused the fetus to die. Below are some of the most common causes of multiple miscarriages.
Genetic Issues
According to a study, chromosomal abnormality accounts for 50 to 60 percent of all miscarriages happening in 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Any problem with your or your partner’s genes can affect the fetus. Any abnormality in the developing fetus can lead to miscarriage.
Either of you or even both may pass on an abnormality to the fetus owing to your genetic structure.
Structural Issues
The shape of the uterus may also cause miscarriage. Sometimes, the structure of the uterus does not allow the fertilized eggs to get implanted.
Uterine fibroid is a common cause of miscarriage. It grows on the uterine wall and blocks the openings of the Fallopian tubes. In some cases, its position affects the function of the uterine lining.
Another structural issue that may contribute to miscarriage is the septum not allowing implantation leading to loss of pregnancy. DES exposure leading to a T-shaped uterus is also a reason.
Disturbed Hormonal Levels
Hormone levels in your body affect your pregnancy. Thyroid and adrenal gland issues enhance the risk of miscarriages. Diabetes is also a cause.
High levels of prolactin in the body hamper the development of the uterine lining. You can lower the prolactin level by adding an anti-prolactin supplement to your diet. An underdeveloped uterine lining juxtaposes the fertilized eggs by not providing them the right environment for implantation. It leads to miscarriage.
Cervical problem
A cervix with weak cervical muscles can contribute to miscarriage. When the cervix is incompetent, it fails to hold the growing fetus. The weak muscles could not bear the weight of the fetus that puts pressure on the opening.
Immunological Issues
Antiphospholipid antibodies keep the fetus from staying in the womb. The presence of these antibodies is an immunologic problem. You can get a blood test done to confirm the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in your blood. Certain drugs like baby aspirin (81 mg) and heparin are given to deal with this condition.
In some cases, the regular protective response of the body to the embryo also prevents pregnancy from staying.
Infections
Certain infections such as herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus, German measles (rubella), and chlamydia affect the growth and development of the fetus resulting in miscarriage.
Environmental Factors
Exposure to environmental toxins present in the air is another reason that can lead to miscarriage. Chances are high if you are getting exposed to the toxic agents regularly after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Other causes include the use of tobacco, marijuana, alcohol, and caffeine.
Occupational Hazards
Certain jobs predispose women to hazards (toxins or poisons) that enhance the chances of miscarriage. Reports suggest a high risk of miscarriages in various occupational groups exposed to solvents, such as factory workers (toluene), laboratory workers (Xylene and toluene), and semiconductor industry workers (glycol ethers).
Women who work in the oil and gas industries are also at high risk of miscarriages. However, these companies use several measures like using filtration fabric, boom covers, filter socks, and other such modalities to clean the spill as soon as possible and minimize exposure.
The bottom line
Miscarriages are not uncommon. Numbers say that around 15 to 20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Women who have already gone through more than two miscarriages are at a 40% higher risk of suffering from another miscarriage.
If you are pregnant, we are sure that fear of miscarriage would have been haunting you. If you have already suffered two miscarriages, talk to your doctor and find out the cause to seek proper treatment.
