Protect yourself from a miscarriage

About 20% of all pregnancies end in miscarriages.

Causes Of Miscarriage

1. Something has gone wrong with the development of the fetus. A bad egg or a bad sperm are the probable cause. There is nothing to worry about unless a woman is a habitual aborter (3 consecutive miscarriages).

2. Luteal Phase Defect: following ovulation, the corpus luteum is formed and this “organ” produces progesterone which helps the pregnancy. A defective corpus luteum, hence low production of progesterone, can cause a miscarriage.

3. Endocrine Diseases, eg. diabetes, thyroid disease

4. Uterine fibroids

5. Immune factors – production of antibodies that destroy the fetus as in Rhesus Incompatibility.

6. Severe Illness in pregnancy (uncommon)

7. Accidents

Preventive Efforts

1. Eliminate or control maternal conditions such as Fibroids, Diabetes, Thyriod Disease, Hypertension.

2. Use of long acting progesterone (such as Proluton Depot ) - debatable

3. Adequate rest

4. Change lifestyle habits such as drugs, drinking, smoking

5. Avoid unnecessary intake of drugs especially Chinese Herbs

Pregnancy Preparation

1. All couples should have babies when they are ready for them – physically, emotionally and financially. In this time and age, with the ready availability of contraception, no one should have an unwanted pregnancy.

2. All future mothers and fathers should attend parental guidance course where they will be taught about parenthood, parenting and when they are prepared to function as a family unit.

3. All woman should keep track of her menstrual period. When she misses one cycle, she should have a proper test done either by herself (Pregnancy Test Kits available in all pharmacies) or see her doctor.

Pregnancy Tests:

• Urine
• Blood – measurement of Beta HCG
• Ultrasonography

4. Once pregnancy is confirmed, the expectant mother should contact her obstetrician and go for regular antenatal checkups where pregnancy complications can be prevented or detected and treated. Antenatal classes for expectant mothers and fathers help.

5. Maternal deaths – it is very rare but can happen. Proper antenatal checkups and delivery in a well-equipped hospital and by a competent obstetrician minimized the risk. In the event of a maternal death, proper counseling and emotional support are of paramount importance to the grieving family.