The very feeling of giving birth to another life brings a sense of fulfillment in a woman's heart. She then starts recognizing herself as a true, complete woman who has been able to support another life. But not every woman gets this treasured feeling. Some women are not able to carry their babies to term. They suffer miscarriages. A sense of incompleteness surrounds a woman, who has had a miscarriage and this may continue till she is able to successfully deliver a baby for the second time.
Miscarriage is a very unpleasant incidence. Here are the risk factors which can expose a woman to miscarriage:
- Age: Woman who have crossed the age of 35, are more prone to miscarriages. This may also hold true if the male partner is above 35 years of age.
- History: If there is a history of more than 3 miscarriage, then there is a possibility that a woman will not be able to carry the baby to term for the fourth time.
- Medical History: Obese women or those who are suffering from health conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS/PCOD), ovulation issues, diabetes and hormonal disorders are exposed to a greater risk of miscarriages. Certain bacterial or viral infections acquired during pregnancy can also lead to miscarriages.
- Physical Injury: Any physical injury suffered by a woman during pregnancy can cause miscarriage.
- Defective Uterine Structure: Structural problems with the uterus, like a "T" shaped uterus can also come in the way of a successful birth.
- Exposure to Toxins or Chemicals: Direct exposure to certain chemicals like benzene, arsenic or formaldehyde during pregnancy also increases the risk of miscarriage.
- Smoking or Drinking: Alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine and certain medicines categorized as NSAIDS can raise the probability of miscarriage.
You should note that sex and stress do not lead to miscarriage. This is a common notion which many people have in their minds.
What are the Symptoms of Miscarriage?
- In the first trimester, vaginal bleeding is quiet common in a normal pregnancy. Hence the first sign of miscarriage may remain unnoticed. But bleeding with cramps or pain is a sign of miscarriage. If you observe these symptoms, then you will need to seek immediate medical attention.
- Abdominal pain and pelvic cramps or dull but persistent lower back pain, followed by vaginal bleeding may also characterize miscarriage.
- Passing of grayish tissue or blood clots through the vagina is a sign of miscarriage.
The signs and symptoms of miscarriage vary from one woman to the other. As a matter of fact, miscarriage involves a chain of several events that take place over a certain number of days.
Women, who have suffered miscarriages, tend to blame themselves for the mishap. They need to understand that it is pointless to repent on something on which they did not have any control. But still you should stay overly cautious during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. You can at least minimize those risk factors which are under your direct control.
