In this article:
- What Are The Signs of Miscarriage?
- What Is The Most Common Cause of Miscarriage?
- Can Stress Cause Miscarriage?
- What Should You Do If You Think You’ve Had a Miscarriage?
- How Can You Deal With The Emotional Impact After Miscarriage?
- When Can You Try To Get Pregnant Again?
- Can A Previous Miscarriage Affect Future Pregnancies?
Miscarriages are a common topic that sparks curiosity and misinformation.
According to the American College of Obstetricians, almost 10–15 percent of pregnancies end with miscarriages. In fact, this figure may increase by up 20-25 percent if pregnant women who are unaware of their pregnancy are included too.
Miscarriage is typically a pregnancy loss that takes place in the initial weeks of gestation and is more common than we realize.
With miscarriage come loads of questions. In this article, we will discuss some of the most frequently asked questions about miscarriage in depth.
What Are The Signs of Miscarriage?
While miscarriage usually takes a few days to manifest itself, it is important to be aware of the indications. Some of the common symptoms include
- Vaginal spotting or bleeding
- Cramping
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Passing clot-like texture from the vagina
In some cases, the symptoms might be unnoticeable during an early pregnancy. You must also know that while spotting can be a sign of miscarriage, it is also a normal phase during pregnancy. Thus, seeking immediate healthcare attention can help you avoid contradictory conditions.
What Is The Most Common Cause of Miscarriage?
Usually, miscarriages occur due to chromosomal abnormalities that may hinder the growth of the embryo. Alternatively, other factors, such as uterine complications, hormonal imbalances, and chronic illnesses like diabetes, can also lead to a miscarriage.
According to a recent study, alcohol and caffeine consumption, in addition to habits such as smoking, are also associated with an increased risk of miscarriage.
Can Stress Cause Miscarriage?
One of the most common questions that mothers ask is whether stress can cause miscarriage. According to studies, while stress is not a direct cause of miscarriage, it can certainly have a detrimental impact on health, contributing to pregnancy complications.
However, the short answer is that chronic stress might have an indirect impact, but regular stress and anxiety do not likely lead to miscarriage.
The best way to avoid such risk is to practice yoga, meditate, and have a support system to guide you through difficult situations.
What Should You Do If You Think You’ve Had a Miscarriage?
If you think you’ve had a miscarriage, it is recommended that you reach out to your doctor immediately. He might conduct some ultrasound, sonography, and blood tests to confirm the case. He may then provide you with medications or perform surgery to remove the pregnancy tissue. However, in rare cases, a miscarriage might pose some severe complications for the expectant mother.
How Can You Deal With The Emotional Impact After Miscarriage?
While the emotional impact of miscarriage can be significant on both your mental health and your relationships, it is important to understand your feelings and seek support from people close to you. In certain cases, it is also advisable to get a consultation from a counselor.
When Can You Try To Get Pregnant Again?
Doctors suggest waiting for at least one menstrual cycle after a miscarriage before trying to get pregnant again. However, this duration can vary from person to person. According to a study, women who conceive within three months of a miscarriage have the same chance of getting pregnant as women who have waited for a longer period to conceive.
Can A Previous Miscarriage Affect Future Pregnancies?
A previous miscarriage does not mean you’ll have another miscarriage. According to a study, women who experience miscarriage have successful pregnancies in the future despite their previous pregnancy loss.
However, you need to be alarmed if you’ve experienced more than 2–3 miscarriages, which could be a sign of an underlying health complication. You can consult your gynecologist about improving your chances of successfully conceiving.
While miscarriage is a phase of disappointment for many expecting couples, it is also a time when a number of questions may arise in your mind. Therefore, it is important to seek an answer to these questions so you can better understand your situation.
If you’ve had a miscarriage lately, you can read about some of the best tips to deal with miscarriage.