The most common cause of miscarriage is a genetic abnormality – accounting for about 60 percent of all losses. Factors that increase your risk of spontaneous miscarriage are increased maternal age, a history of recurrent miscarriages, certain infections such as syphilis and HIV and some anatomical abnormalities of the uterus and cervix. An important preventable factor that increases the risk of miscarriage is smoking and tobacco exposure.
Miscarriages in early pregnancy cannot be prevented or stopped, no matter how desired the pregnancy. If you are bleeding painlessly, you are likely miscarrying and the physician will simply confirm this process. Very few miscarriages require any intervention. However, if you are bleeding heavily, soaking a pad an hour, you need to be evaluated urgently, either by your obstetrician (during clinic hours) or in the emergency room after hours.
Content provided on this site is for educational purposes only and should not be construed to be medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Click here for additional information.
follow us on twitter!
What is your biggest pregnancy fear?
Looking for baby care products?
Find award-winning baby care products.
Looking for baby toys?
Find award-winning baby toys.
Looking for health & fitness products?
Find award-winning health & fitness products.
Join the Pregnancy Today Book Club for some great reads. More >
The Duggars: 20 and Counting! Raising One of America's Largest Families -- How They Do It
by Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar