Causes
Some miscarriages cannot be explained. Miscarriages often occur for the following reasons:
- Chromosomal abnormality (most common cause)
- Advanced maternal age
- Uterine defects
- Fibroids
- Scar tissue from a past surgery
- Insufficient progesterone (a female hormone needed to support pregnancy)
- Infection in the genital tract
- Immunologic factors that may cause blood-clotting problems or rejection of the fetus
Risk Factors
These factors increase your chance of having a miscarriage. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:
- Advancing maternal age
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol at a level beyond two drinks per day
- Using illicit drugs (street drugs)
- Exposure to certain environmental toxins
- Infection, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and HIV
- Chronic maternal illness, eg, autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and insulin-dependent diabetes with uncontrolled blood sugar
- High-dose radiation therapy on the ovary and uterus or the pituitary gland during treatment for childhood cancer *¹
Having a miscarriage during your first pregnancy may place you at a higher risk for complications during your next pregnancy. *² These complications may include:
- Pre-eclampsia
- Threatened miscarriage
- Induced labor
- Preterm delivery
- Low birth weight
- Postpartum hemorrhage
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
More Miscarriage Information
Improved
479 HealthChanged
215 LivesSaved
160 LivesPopular this Week
Connect with Women Like You 64 Women Care About this Condition
You're not alone. Connect with other women who are going through what you're going through, who understand and are here for you!
+ Join this Community
