Miscarriage can be caused by any one of a number of things before, during, or after the process of fertilization. Often this is nature's way of ending a pregnancy in which the foetus was not growing as it should and would not have been able to survive.

The cause of miscarriage often cannot be discovered. Most factors that cause a miscarriage are genetic. Sometimes a miscarriage is caused by the mother's health problems.  Most early pregnancy losses cannot be prevented.

Genetic Reasons for Miscarriage:

More than 50% of miscarriages that occur in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy are caused by problems with the chromosomes in the foetus. Chromosomes are tiny structures inside the centre of the all cells. Each chromosome carries many genes and it is these genes that define all of a person's physical characteristics such as blood type, sex, hair & eye colour.

Miscarriages can occur when an abnormal number or structure of chromosomes and/or genes are present in the foetus.

Most chromosomal abnormalities are not passed on from the parents. They happen by chance and are not likely to occur again in a later pregnancy. In most cases, there is nothing wrong with the mother or father's health.

Other Possible Causes of Miscarriage:

A woman having an abnormally shaped uterus or an incompetent cervix can be a cause of miscarriage. An incompetent cervix begins to widen and open too early (in the middle part of the pregnancy) without any pain or other signs of labour.  A closed cervix is one of the things that the obstetrician is checking for when he makes an internal examination during consultations. These problems most often occur in the second trimester (14 to 26 weeks) of pregnancy.

If the mother has a persistent disease (like diabetes) that is not under control, she may have a higher risk of miscarriage. 

There are often no clear symptoms when infections of the genital tract are present, however they may have an effect on the uterus (and the foetus as a result), which can cause the pregnancy to end.

Problems with the mother's hormones also can cause very early miscarriage.

Pregnant women who smoke are more likely to have vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. Their risk of miscarriage is slightly higher than that of women who don't smoke.

Heavy alcohol use also dramatically increases the risk of miscarriage.  This is especially true in early pregnancy, when the major organs of the foetus are being formed.

Using ‘Class A’ drugs, especially cocaine, also increases the risk of miscarriage.

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

Trying Again : A Guide to Pregnancy After Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss

Click here to buy this title from Amazon USA

Click here to buy this title from Amazon UK

Silent Cradle : Helping & Understanding in Time of Pregnancy Loss

Click here to buy this title from Amazon USA

Introduction

Miscarriage - Causes

Miscarriage - Symptoms

Ectopic Pregnancy - Description

Ectopic Pregnancy - Diagnosis & Treatment

Molar Pregnancy - Description

Molar Pregnancy - Symptoms & Diagnosis

Molar Pregnancy - Treatment

The Dilation & Curettage Procedure

Handling The Loss