Miscarriage is an exceptionally traumatic end to a pregnancy. More than three quarters of all miscarriages take place during the first trimester which encompasses the first twelve weeks of pregnancy.

The medical term for miscarriage is spontaneous abortion in association with the pregnancy ending by termination whether deliberately induced or naturally, A miscarriage that occurs during before the sixth week of pregnancy is termed, 'early pregnancy loss', and a miscarriage that takes place during after twenty weeks of pregnancy is called a stillbirth.

At times a woman is not even aware that she was pregnant and simply mistakes a miscarriage for a heavier menstrual cycle. Studies have shown that about 15% of fertilized eggs are lost before the egg even has a chance to implant itself in the wall of the uterus.  Other times when a woman is aware of the pregnancy, a miscarriage brings with it a devastating loss and incredible grief.

So what causes this to happen and what can be done to lower the risks of a miscarriage occurring during pregnancy?

The causes of miscarriage during the first trimester of pregnancy often occur due to a chromosomal abnormality or a deficiency of the progesterone hormone, and are unique to that specific pregnancy without it necessarily being a concern for future pregnancies. If the cause of a miscarriage was due to a hormonal issue, the obstetrician would likely prescribe a progesterone supplement during future pregnancies to eliminate the chances of any potential problems.

During the second trimester, miscarriages are often related to problems with the placenta, cervix or uterus. In addition, malformations within the umbilical cord can also be a factor.

The early warning sign of a miscarriage is primarily bleeding accompanied by possible cramping and pain in the lower abdomen. This pain may be felt only on one side, both sides or in the middle.  The pain may also travel into the lower back and even the legs.

Though any woman of any age can miscarry, it seems that the older the woman, the more at risk she is.  The same goes for women with a history of miscarriages, as well as those who develop communicable diseases such as mumps, rubella and measles.  Doctors have also warned against pregnancies that take place within three months of delivery, as the uterus has not fully healed.

Written by Rachel Goodchild

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