Reasons For Early Miscarriage

A pregnancy that ends before 20 weeks is termed early miscarriage. It can be caused accidentally or as a reaction to medical condition. Early miscarriage is also called chemical pregnancy but in this case, only the miscarriage that occurs before the fifth or sixth week of gestation is called so.

The true cause of early miscarriage is not known but the possible reasons include:

• Chromosomal abnormality - If there is any deformity in the chromosome of either of the parents, this can lead to early loss of pregnancy. Abnormality in number or structure of the chromosomes of the foetus is the most widespread reason for an early miscarriage.
• Defective structure of the uterus or cervix of the woman.
• Certain bacterial, viral or parasitic infections.
• Blighted ovum - It is a fertilized egg that implants but does not develop. An ultrasound shows a pregnancy sack with no embryo. This type of miscarriage is an unavoidable phenomenon.
• Ectopic pregnancy - A pregnancy that does not take place in uterus is called ectopic pregnancy. The fertilized egg settles and grows at some other location, usually fallopian tube rather than the normal inner lining of the uterus. The fertilized egg starts growing and causes internal bleeding. It finally leads to early miscarriage.
• Women who are habitual smokers, or who indulge in drug or alcohol abuse are more at risk for an early miscarriage.
• Infections in the ovary can also cause early miscarriage.
• Stress and pressure suffered by the woman for various reasons can also cause early termination of pregnancy.
• Maternal health issues such as the expecting mother suffering from severe diabetes, blood pressure, asthma or if she is undernourished, the risk of early miscarriage increases.
• Other causes of early miscarriage include pregnancy hormone imbalances and deficiencies in the immune system.

Most of the time early miscarriages happen for unknown reasons. Nothing the mother could have done to stop the loss.

About 30% of women experience early miscarriage, usually before even missing a period, or realising that they are pregnant. These miscarriages are the result of a developing foetus that is not normal and has no chance of surviving till the complete term of pregnancy. Miscarriage is many times not under the control of a woman, she should take good care of herself and her baby if concerned about an early miscarriage.

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