Why Do Miscarriages Happen?

Pregnancies terminated before the 20th week before the baby reaches 500 grams are called miscarriages, and genetic factors, nutrition, age, diseases and anatomical problems cause miscarriage.

Two or more miscarriages that occur before the 20th week of pregnancy and before the baby reaches 500 grams is called Recurrent Miscarriage.

Genetic factors are the most important cause of miscarriage. A miscarriage is the termination of pregnancy before the 20th week (139 days). In miscarriage, the body discards the fetus (developing baby) whose weight has not reached 500 grams. The most common complication of pregnancy is miscarriage. Although it is not known for sure, it is thought that the probability of pregnancy ending in miscarriage is between 15-40%.

Since many women miscarry very early, they may not realize the miscarriage by mistaking it for heavy menstrual bleeding. 75 percent of miscarriages occur before the 16th week of pregnancy and 62 percent of them occur before the 12th gestational week. As pregnancy progresses, the likelihood of a miscarriage decreases. The probability of miscarriage again is 25 percent after the first miscarriage, 30 percent after the second miscarriage, and 40 percent after the third.

Bleeding is the first symptom

The first sign of miscarriage is vaginal bleeding. This may be a light-colored bleeding or a dark brown bleeding mixed with vaginal secretions. When vaginal bleeding is detected, you should immediately consult your doctor.

In 70 percent of expectant mothers, bleeding in the form of spotting can be seen in the first weeks of pregnancy. Spotting in the first weeks of pregnancy is seen during the attachment of the embryo to the uterus. Accompanying vaginal bleeding with inguinal pain and cramps is one of the most important signs of miscarriage.

In the first months of pregnancy, groin pain can be seen due to the effects of the increased progesterone hormone on the intestines and urinary tract. In the presence of groin pain that comes at regular intervals and gradually gets worse, a physician should be consulted immediately. Prolonged bleeding and cramps often end in miscarriage.

Diseases can trigger miscarriages

The sudden disappearance of symptoms such as nausea and breast tension due to pregnancy may be an indication that the pregnancy is not continuing in a healthy way. The age of the expectant parent, nutrition, immune system and some diseases can also trigger miscarriages.

Age of the expectant mother

As the age of the mother-to-be progresses, although regular se xual intercourse takes place, the period until pregnancy becomes longer and it becomes difficult for a healthy pregnancy to continue.

The effect of the expectant mother’s age on the probability of miscarriage:

• Under 20: 9.9 percent
• Ages 20-24: 9.5 percent
• Ages 25-29: 10 percent
• Ages 30-34: 11.7 percent
• Ages 35-39: 17.7 percent
• Ages 40-44: 33.8 percent
• Above 44: 53.2 percent

Age of the father-to-be

Being over 50 years old may cause miscarriage by increasing the possibility of genetic anomalies.

Thrombophilia

During pregnancy, clot formation in the uterus and placenta of the expectant mother is prevented.

Exercise

In the first trimester of pregnancy, there is no harm in continuing the light exercises done before pregnancy. It is necessary to avoid heavy and long-term exercises that will cause an increase in body temperature. Expectant mothers who have vaginal bleeding in the first weeks of pregnancy should avoid exercising.

Beware of trauma and stress!

• Se xual life: There is no need to restrict se xual activity in normal pregnancies. It is recommended that expectant mothers with a history of recurrent miscarriage, vaginal bleeding, spotting and groin pain should limit their se xual activities in the first weeks.
• Nutrition: Healthy nutrition of couples; affects egg and sperm quality and fertilization. Vitamin B12 deficiency leads to miscarriage.
• Immune system: The immune system is a complex system that constitutes the defense mechanism of the human body against diseases. Studies conducted with the developments in the field of immunology (immunology) in recent years show that 60 percent of unexplained miscarriages may be due to disorders in the immune system, and many of them can be prevented with new treatment methods. Endometriosis disease, trauma, and stress can also cause miscarriage.

Most common causes

The most common cause of miscarriage is abnormalities in fetal development. Studies have shown that most miscarriages are due to chromosomal (genetic) abnormalities:

Genetic factors

Genetic factors are one of the most important causes of miscarriage. There are 46 (23 pairs) chromosomes in each cell of individuals. 23 of these chromosomes come from the mother and 23 from the father. An embryo with 46 chromosomes is formed. Problems occurring at this time lead to anomalies in the number of chromosomes.

Another chromosomal disorder is translocation. Although the chromosome number is normal, the sequence is incorrect. When there is a translocation in the mother or father, this does not cause any health problems in the mother or father, but an imbalance in the genetic information distribution may occur during egg or sperm formation. This situation is determined by the chromosomal examination to be made to the mother and father-to-be.

Anatomical causes

12-15 percent of women with recurrent miscarriages have various uterine anomalies. The division in the uterus, intrauterine adhesions, double uterus, fibroids and cervical insufficiency cause miscarriage.

Endocrine factors

This condition, called Luteal Phase Insufficiency or Corpus Luteum Insufficiency, can lead to insufficiency of progesterone hormone and miscarriage.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCO)

Conditions where there are many cysts on the ovaries and the tissues between the cysts increase are called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is inherited.

This syndrome is associated with many immune problems that lead to infertility and pregnancy loss. Increased blood clotting tendency and high blood pressure are other common problems in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Thyroid Gland Diseases

In cases where the thyroid gland works less; neck swelling, neck and jaw pain, low body temperature, obesity, constipation, weakness, infertility and miscarriages are common complaints.

In cases where the thyroid gland works too hard; irritability, palpitation, shortness of breath, heat intolerance, fatigue, eyelid swelling and dryness of the eyes, excessive appetite, weight loss, excessive sweating, hair loss, itching, muscle weakness, diarrhea, menstrual irregularities, early menopause, infertility and recurrent miscarriages are common.

Diabetes

The probability of a pregnancy ending with a miscarriage increases in expectant mothers whose blood sugar is not under control. Two months before pregnancy, blood sugar should be controlled.