Blog

Most common questions about miscarriage

Losing an unborn child can be an extremely traumatic experience. A miscarriage can leave a woman both physically and emotionally drained. While the women who are coping from the after effects of a miscarriage often feel alone, miscarriage is, in fact, more common than they might think. Statistics reveal that one in six pregnancies end before the 20^th week, but there are numerous unanswered questions about miscarriage which cause much stress to the suffering couples. Do not worry, there are experts who can help resolve all your concerns.

As the first step, here are the answers to the most common questions that are asked by couples who have miscarried.

1.How do I know that I am having a miscarriage?

There are various signs that may indicate a miscarriage, which includes period-like pain and bleeding. Sometimes, a miscarriage is not accompanied by visible symptoms and can only be spotted on an ultrasound. An ultrasound scan may indicate that a pregnancy is not optimal, and further consultation with a fertility expert can confirm the viability of the pregnancy. Early scanning is the best way to confirm whether you are faced with a high risk of miscarriage.

2.Will I miscarry again?

Most women who have miscarried are able to give birth to healthy babies with subsequent pregnancies. The chances of miscarrying for someone who hasn’t miscarried before are estimated to be around 10%, and this number may increase very slightly to approximately 15% if you have miscarried in the past. If however, you have suffered from multiple miscarriages, you should consult a doctor before planning your next pregnancy.

3.My family members experienced recurrent miscarriages, does that mean I will too?

As mentioned above, miscarriages are pretty common, therefore it is not very alarming if a family member has miscarried. This may have been due to various reasons such as their medical history, time of conception etc. Hence, a miscarriage in the family does not necessarily imply that your chances of miscarrying are higher, and may be purely coincidental.

4.What are the main causes of miscarriages?

A majority of miscarriages are caused by genetically abnormal embryos.  Other conditions that are known to cause recurrent miscarriages include endocrine disorders, blood clotting disorders, submucosal fibroids, and structural abnormalities in the womb. Hormonal issues associated with polycystic ovaries are other contributing factors. In some cases, a genetic abnormality can be passed down, resulting in miscarriages.

5.How does a woman’s age increase her risk of miscarrying?

Women are born with a finite amount of eggs and these eggs age with time. Hence, women over the age of 35 face an increased risk of miscarriage due to the declining quality of eggs.  By the time a woman turns 43, there is a 50% probability of her miscarrying. Aging increases the exposure to oxidative stresses which affect the DNA that is an important constituent of the eggs. Therefore, the risk of chromosomally abnormal pregnancies and miscarriages increases inevitably with age.

6.Does a man’s age affect the risk of miscarriage?

While a man’s age does not impact his fertility in a manner similar to women, the quality of sperm does decline with age, especially after the age of 40, thereby increasing the risk of miscarriage and infertility. Oxidative stresses that accompany aging affect the quality of sperms. Hence, the risk of miscarriage doubles for women whose male partners are older than 45 when compared to those whose partners are under 25.

 7.Is stress a cause of miscarriages?

Miscarriages are usually caused by chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo and are not associated with high stress or heavy exercise.

8.How soon after a miscarriage can we try to get pregnant again?

Doctors usually advise waiting for 1 or 2 periods before trying to get pregnant again. This helps with dating the pregnancy. It is equally important to wait until you and your spouse are emotionally and physically ready for another try. Your doctor can give you the best advice regarding the next pregnancy, based on the circumstances that led to the miscarriage.

If you have recently miscarried then remember that you aren’t alone on this arduous journey, medical experts are here to give you all the support you need. Refer the data provided above and keep your hopes high – there are many who have recovered from a miscarriage and given birth to healthy children and so can you.

 Shrikhande IVF center is one of the first fully integrated fertility hospitals in Nagpur.Fertility related issues are extremely sensitive and we give it the utmost priority to the patient’s privacy.Our experts are fully trained in fertility and gynaecological issues.So, don’t hesitate to contact us, if you have any queries related to the same. Looking forward to fruitful relationships with all our clients.

Tags: causes of miscarriages, Common Questions About Miscarriage, miscarriage, Pregnancy Care, Pregnancy Health, Pregnancy Tips, what to do if I miscarriage