What Causes Miscarriages?

Statistics show 15% of pregnancies result in a miscarriage. Many factors may affect the development of a fetus. If you have lost a pregnancy, CARE Fertility recommends a checkup to learn the underlying causes of your miscarriage Bedford. Here are common causes of miscarriages.

What causes a miscarriage?

The leading cause of miscarriages is chromosomal abnormalities. Also known as early miscarriage, it accounts for about half of all miscarriages in the first trimester. It usually happens when there is an anomaly with the chromosomes.

Chromosomes are components of DNA consisting of information that influences the baby’s development. Anomalies can occur after fertilization when the embryo differentiates into various organs.

Chromosomal abnormalities may cause problems such as:

• Blighted ovum: A condition where the fertilized egg releases into the uterus but no embryo forms. It has symptoms similar to pregnancy and often shows a positive pregnancy result. The patient may experience vaginal spotting toward the end of the pregnancy.
• Intrauterine fetal demise: The condition occurs when the embryo develops but does not mature to term. The primary cause is genetic disorders or congenital fetal abnormalities. Besides chromosomal anomalies, intrauterine fetal demise may arise from an infection from the mother or fetus.
• Molar pregnancy: A molar pregnancy occurs during fertilization when the sperm and egg fuse incorrectly. A non-cancerous tumor develops, affecting embryo development. It usually requires surgical removal during pregnancy. Otherwise, it may lead to serious complications such as sepsis (blood infection) or a uterine infection.

What causes recurrent miscarriages?

A recurrent miscarriage is where two or three miscarriages occur successively before the 20th week of gestation. The condition could be the result of genetic, uterine fibroids, or other abnormalities of the uterus.

Some of the factors causing recurrent miscarriages include:

•         PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome): PCOS is where the ovaries fail to release an egg during the menstrual cycle. It is the leading factor in young women with recurring miscarriages. It is responsible for 40% of fetal loss in patients with PCOS. PCOS could be due to hormonal imbalances and high production of the male hormone androgen.

• The shape of the uterus: Malformations in the uterus are known to cause recurrent miscarriages. Researchers are yet to understand how the shape and size of the uterus affect the fetus. But deformities of considerable size can lead to complications. However, minor differences in structure do not always affect the pregnancy.
• Medication: Certain prescription drugs can be unsafe during pregnancy. They include NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, retinoids, and methotrexate for arthritis. It is always advisable to review medication with your provider to avoid complications.
• Aging: Age is another factor that may increase the risk of recurring miscarriages. The older you get, the lower the number of quality eggs. The problem affects both males and females. The sperm is more likely to develop chromosomal abnormalities at the later stages of life.

A miscarriage can happen for a variety of reasons. It is often a problem of fetus development and not the mother’s fault.

To learn more about infertility, call CARE Fertility or schedule an appointment online today.