Infertility And Miscarriage: All You Need To Know

Even though it is a common occurrence, miscarriage is a difficult issue that is rarely acknowledged due to its stigma and pain. Whether you or a loved one has gone through the experience, learning more about miscarriage might help you prepare for it. In this post, we will be taking a holistic look at miscarriage and infertility. First, let’s find out what miscarriage is. 

What is Miscarriage

Miscarriage is the termination of a pregnancy before 12 weeks of gestation, known as an early miscarriage, or after 12 weeks of gestation, known as a late miscarriage. Before a “clinical pregnancy” is officially established by ultrasound or pathologic diagnosis, losses before 10 weeks are often termed random losses. The loss of two or more clinical pregnancies is referred to as recurrent pregnancy loss.

Miscarriage Statistics

Unfortunately, one out of every five expectant mothers stands the chance of facing a miscarriage. About 10-15% of pregnancies in women who are aware that they are pregnant terminate in miscarriage. This does not include miscarriages that occur before a clinical pregnancy is confirmed, in which case losses before a missed period might range from 30 to 50%. The majority of losses occur in the first trimester, although 1-5 percent of second-trimester pregnancies result in loss.  Approximately 1% of women who are trying to conceive have multiple miscarriages.

Symptoms of miscarriage

Some women have indications and symptoms before they have a miscarriage, while others do not. Vaginal spotting (typically dark brown and shifting to pink or red), a decrease in breast pain or fullness, and the absence of baby movement or heart sounds are all symptoms that a miscarriage is on the way. Cramping and vaginal bleeding are both symptoms of a miscarriage. Call your doctor right away if you’re pregnant and experiencing these miscarriage symptoms.

Causes of Miscarriage

Abnormal Hormone Levels

When the uterine lining does not grow properly, which might be caused by aberrant hormone levels, miscarriage can occur.  As a result, the fertilized egg may not have the ideal conditions for implantation and nutrition. Due to hormonal imbalances, women with thyroid and adrenal gland problems, as well as women with diabetes and PCOS, are more likely to miscarry.

Genetic Predisposition

Miscarriage can be caused by genetic abnormalities that result in an anomaly in the growing fetus. Either couple or both could be genetically prone to passing on a defect to the fetus, resulting in a miscarriage.  According to a study, chromosomal disorders cause 50-60% of all losses in the first three months of pregnancy.

Uterine Structure

Miscarriage can be caused by structural issues with the uterus, which prevents the fertilized egg from implanting. Obstacles such as uterine fibroids and septums can inhibit correct implantation by interfering with the uterine lining’s natural function, resulting in pregnancy loss. DES (synthetic estrogen) exposure can potentially produce structural abnormalities, such as a T-shaped uterus, which can lead to miscarriage.

Cervical Issues

An incorrectly functioning cervix, like structural abnormalities in the uterus, can lead to miscarriage. When the cervical muscle weakens and can’t keep the cervix closed when the growing fetus grows and reaches a specific weight, it’s called an “incompetent cervix.” This puts pressure on the cervical opening, preventing the body from creating a suitable environment for the fetus’s healthy development.

Environmental Factors

Environmental contaminants in the air that you may be exposed to can cause fetal harm or miscarriage, especially if you are exposed frequently after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Marijuana, cigarette, caffeine, and alcohol usage, according to studies, can adversely impact embryonic development and lead to miscarriage. During pregnancy, most doctors advise women to avoid or minimize their use.

Infections

Infections including German measles (rubella), herpes simplex, ureaplasma, CMV, and chlamydia can disrupt fetal development and lead to miscarriage in certain situations. Furthermore, certain germs live in both men’s and women’s genital tracts and can disrupt a pregnancy. If this bacteria is present in a woman’s uterus, an embryo will be unable to mature properly, resulting in the loss of the pregnancy.

Miscarriage Assistance

Regardless of the length of the pregnancy, miscarriage can leave you and your spouse with many profound feelings of loss and grief. Allow yourself grace and patience during this trying period. Grief for the loss of a child or a pregnancy is natural and expected. It’s fine to be angry or depressed. Talk to your partner about how you’re feeling and how you’re going to mend together. 

It’s also crucial to remember that sorrow manifests itself in different ways for different people, necessitating varied approaches to help. Friends and family can also be valuable sources of assistance. Perhaps you know someone who has experienced a miscarriage, or perhaps you simply need a distraction or a shoulder to cry on. 

Join a support group or see a grief counselor if you need to talk about it more. Others who are going through the same grief can provide a lot of support and comfort. Make sure you take care of yourself and seek the help you need to get through this terrible period.

Infertility and Miscarriage: What’s the Connection?

A miscarriage does not appear to cause infertility. If you’re having problems conceiving after a miscarriage, it could be an indication that you need to learn more about your reproductive health. A woman who has had one miscarriage is likely to have another, most often due to an underlying health problem. Miscarriage is caused by a variety of factors that can make it difficult to conceive.

Conclusion

Miscarriage is the termination of a pregnancy before 12 weeks of gestation. About 10-15% of pregnancies in women who are aware that they are pregnant terminate in miscarriage. The majority of losses occur in the first trimester, although 1-5 percent of second-trimester pregnancies result in loss. Miscarriage can be caused by chromosomal or chromosomal abnormalities that result in an anomaly in the growing fetus. Obstacles in the lining of the uterus, such as uterine fibroids and septums, can also cause miscarriage. Environmental contaminants in the air can cause fetal harm or miscarriage. Miscarriage is caused by a variety of factors that can make it difficult to conceive. Miscarriage does not appear to cause infertility. A woman who has had one miscarriage is likely to have another, most often due to an underlying health problem.

We are here to partner with you on your journey to parenthood. 

Omega Golden Fertility is a specialized, premium, and assisted conception center in Nigeria. At Omega, the best of science, technology, and the highest ethical practices are combined to deliver real value to our numerous clients. We consider ourselves as the last frontier in the assisted reproduction industry. With state of art facilities, highly trained specialists, and a culture of excellence, omega is poised to bring her clients a lasting smile. Wouldn’t you rather talk to us? Help is just a click away.

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