When 29 year Gurpreet Kaur suffered a miscarriage, she felt that her world had come crashing down.
Not only was it unexpected – the doctors had said hers was a perfect pregnancy - but she also blamed herself for the loss of her child.
Expert gynaecologists say there are several reasons for a miscarriage. "The commonest reason is nature's selection. It is believed that 75% of pregnancies end in miscarriages. But most go unrecognised. They happen so early that it looks like normal menstruation, though slightly delayed. Only about 15% to 20% miscarriages are clinically recognised." they say.
GENETIC FACTOR:
These account for about 50% of all clinically recognised early miscarriages. Here, the fetus is genetically or chromosomally defective. A vast majority of women end up having a normal pregnancy the next time. Occasionally, one parent may carry structurally abnormal genetic material, which may result in an abnormal offspring. Couples who suffer repeated miscarriages can opt for genetic testing of the fetus.
ANTIBODIES THREAT:
Some women have antibodies in their blood which may attack their own cells. Some of these antibodies may attack the placenta or lead to formation of clots in the blood that is supplied to the fetus. This may lead to slower fetus growth and eventual miscarriage. Auto antibodies usually cause fetal loss towards the third month of pregnancy or later.
ANATOMIC CAUSES:
Some women may have, from birth, a septum (wall) in the uterus. Some may have a 'double' or 'half' uterine cavity. Miscarriage may result from that, though it is not necessary. Very large fibroids, especially those which encroach upon the uterine cavity, may also hamper a successful pregnancy outcome. Sometimes, the cervix (the mouth of the uterus) opens in the second trimester, causing miscarriage.
BEWARE OF INFECTIONS:
Many a times, infections caused by the bacteria, viruses and other parasites have been seen causing pregnancy loss.
ENDOCRINE CAUSES:
Early pregnancy is interplay of multiple hormones, which work in balance to provide an ideal environment for the developing embryo. Some women with menstrual disturbances and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) may have a higher risk of early pregnancy loss. Women with uncontrolled diabetes and thyroid disorders are also at a higher risk.
ENVIRONMENT'S ROLE:
Women need to be careful during the first trimester, because what she consumes orally or through her lungs may reach her unborn baby who is at a crucial stage of growth. Certain drugs, alcohol, smoking, excessive caffeine intake and stress may harm the fetus. Pregnant women should not undergo X-ray or CT scan, unless recommended by their gynaecologist.
A miscarriage is relatively common and difficult to prevent. Though the risk is higher in women with a history of more than one miscarriage, they can still conceive. With proper care, avoiding risk factors - smoking and drinking - and understanding what causes a miscarriage, they can plan their pregnancy under a doctor's supervision.
Experts recommend waiting for atleast one menstrual cycle - after a miscarriage - before trying to conceive. Make sure you and your partner are physically and emotionally fit before you plan a baby.
COPING UP:
Every woman's ability to cope with a stressful situation differs. They need to give themselves time and space to grieve. They may decide to take time off from work, involve themselves in prayer or spiritual practices, revive an old hobby, or take up a new one. The woman's family needs to make her feel that they are with her. Mostly, partners should support each other and usually, a miscarriage brings them closer.
In most cases, physical recovery takes only a few hours to a couple of days. Emotional healing takes longer. Losing a baby can be heart wrenching. You may feel angry, sad and depressed. Give yourself time to get over it.
KNOW MORE...
- Uncontrolled diabetes, infections, hormonal imbalance, and problems related to cervix or uterus can lead to miscarriage.
- A woman who has suffered one miscarriage has a 15% chance of suffering another one.
- After two losses, the risk rises to 30%. After three miscarriages, it may rise upto 45%.
- Healthcare professionals play an important role in the coping process. Doctors should answer couples' queries sensitively and provide all relevant information.
- A woman might experience fatigue, loss of interest in everything, body ache, lack of sleep or excess sleep, loss of appetite, mood swings and depression after miscarriage.
I hope this writeup will enlighten each and every couple about miscarriages, and motivate them to take proper precautions during pregnancy, and healthy babies are born to them. And, if unfortunately miscarriage happens, then they are able to cope up with it.