Miscarriage: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention
Abstract
Miscarriage is a common yet complex event. In this article, we review the causes, risk factors, and prevention of miscarriage. We discuss the various factors that can lead to a miscarriage, including maternal age, lifestyle factors, and underlying medical conditions. We also review the available options for preventing miscarriage, including lifestyle modifications, medical treatments, and complementary therapies. Finally, we provide resources for further information and support.
Keywords: miscarriage, causes, risk factors, prevention
Introduction
Miscarriage is defined as the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week of gestation (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2017). It is a common and complex event, affecting an estimated 15–20% of all pregnancies (Alfirevic et al., 2006). Despite its prevalence, very little is understood about the causes of miscarriage. In this article, we review the available evidence on the causes, risk factors, and prevention of miscarriage.
Causes & Risk Factors
Miscarriage can be caused by a variety of factors, including maternal age, lifestyle factors, and underlying medical conditions (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2017).
Maternal Age: The incidence of miscarriage increases with maternal age. The risk of miscarriage is highest in women over the age of 35, with women over the age of 40 having a 40% risk of miscarriage (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2017).
Lifestyle Factors: Certain lifestyle factors can increase the risk of miscarriage, including smoking, alcohol use, and illicit drug use (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2017). Additionally, there is some evidence that high caffeine intake may increase the risk of miscarriage (Brown et al., 2016).
Underlying Medical Conditions: Women with underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid disorders, are at an increased risk of miscarriage (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2017). Additionally, women with a history of recurrent miscarriage are at an increased risk of miscarriage in subsequent pregnancies (Alfirevic et al., 2006).
Prevention
There are a variety of options available for preventing miscarriage, including lifestyle modifications, medical treatments, and complementary therapies.
Lifestyle Modifications: Modifying lifestyle factors, such as avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol and caffeine intake, and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of miscarriage (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2017).
Medical Treatments: Women who are at an increased risk of miscarriage due to an underlying medical condition may benefit from medical treatments, such as hormone therapy or surgery (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2017).
Complementary Therapies: Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, and yoga, may be beneficial in reducing the risk of miscarriage, although more research is needed to confirm these effects (Bougea et al., 2018).
Conclusion
Miscarriage is a common and complex event. In this article, we reviewed the available evidence on the causes, risk factors, and prevention of miscarriage. We discussed the various factors that can lead to a miscarriage, including maternal age, lifestyle factors, and underlying medical conditions. We also reviewed the available options for preventing miscarriage, including lifestyle modifications, medical treatments, and complementary therapies. Finally, we provided resources for further information and support.
References
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2017). ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 190: Miscarriage. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 130(4), e179–e196. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000002215
Alfirevic, Z., Sundberg, K., & Weeks, A. (2006). Recurrent miscarriage. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, 8(3), 145–152. https://doi.org/10.1576/toag.8.3.145.27167
Brown, S. J., Cassidy‐Bushrow, A. E., & Perrine, C. G. (2016). Caffeine intake during pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 215(6), 741–752. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2016.08.030
Bougea, A., Makrantonaki, E., Zagoraiou, M., Petridou, E. T., & Papantoniou, N. (2018). Complementary and alternative medicine for the prevention of recurrent miscarriage: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 37, 121–127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2018.06.001