How to Minimise the Risk of Miscarriage: Expert Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

According to research, between 40% and 75% cases of miscarriage are linked to chromosomal issues. This shows that many losses occur because of clear biological reasons. Still, many pregnancies might reach the full term if we learn more about reducing risks and take the necessary steps to prevent miscarriage.

Because research is limited, the cause of miscarriage is not always clear, and most instances are not anyone’s fault. In fact, one out of four women will undergo a miscarriage at some point. The chance of miscarriage changes with each stage of pregnancy, with the highest risk occurring between 4 and 6 weeks. However, the risk drops to about 4–5% by weeks eight or nine, when the baby’s heartbeat can be detected.

What Causes Miscarriage?

Most miscarriages happen because of genetic problems that cannot usually be prevented. In such cases, the baby’s genetic makeup is not suitable for healthy development. Other miscarriages occur due to health conditions that might or might not have been managed before conception. These may comprise:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is linked with hormone imbalances, insulin resistance, and higher luteinising hormone (LH) levels.
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Gynaecological problems like fibroids or irregular cycles.
• Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or thyroid disorders.
• Weak cervix
• Infections
• Sperm-related factors
• Blood clotting issues
• Immune-related factors

When such underlying conditions remain untreated, it becomes harder to sustain a pregnancy. For couples planning a baby, it is wise to get health checks in advance. This allows doctors to treat any issues in both partners before conception. A fertility MOT, for example, can detect or rule out gynaecological problems.

Miscarriage risks also rise with age. For women above the age of 45, over50% of all pregnancies may be lost.

Possible Signs of Miscarriage

Some of the common miscarriage signs are:

• Spotting that continues for more than three days
• Bleeding with clots or tissue
• Mild to severe cramping or pain in the back and abdomen
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fluid or mucus discharge from the vagina
• A drop in pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or breast tenderness

If you notice these signs, you should seek medical help right away. The doctor can carry out an exam to find the root cause of your symptoms.

How to Lower the Risk of Miscarriage

Even though many miscarriages are not preventable, research shows that about 25% could be avoided by reducing risk factors. Generally, age is a key factor contributing to pregnancy loss. Still, many older women do carry healthy pregnancies to term. Other lifestyle and health choices can also improve your chances.

So, if you are pregnant or planning to conceive, you should consider these factors so as to lower your risk of having a miscarriage:

• Eat healthy food: Fuel your body with antioxidants and avoid toxins through a healthy diet. This helps in creating a safer environment for the baby’s growth. Also consider cutting out junk food and focusing on leafy greens, fresh fruit, lean protein, and whole grains. Lack of essential vitamins from your diet can raise the risk of miscarriage.
   
• Avoid consuming alcohol: Even though some believe that small amounts of alcohol are safe, research shows otherwise. Drinking during pregnancy raises the risk of miscarriage, birth defects, and even fertility problems. So, if your goal is to have a healthy pregnancy and baby, the safest choice is to avoid alcohol completely.
   
• Quit smoking: Smoking, even second-hand smoke, is dangerous during pregnancy or when planning one. Toxins from cigarettes put stress on the body and damage cells. This creates an unhealthy environment that can lead to illness as well as complications for both mother and baby.
   
• Maintain a healthy weight: There is no clear proof that weight alone causes miscarriage. However, research suggests that being within a healthy range lowers miscarriage risk. Being overweight can as well lead to conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, which may contribute to complications during pregnancy.
   
• Have a fertility MOT: Both you and your partner should get a fertility check-up. This can help detect hidden issues that may affect conception or pregnancy.
   
• Be aware of age: Your age can affect pregnancy outcomes, though many women still have healthy pregnancies later in life.
   
• Avoid heavy lifting: Research shows that lifting over 20kg each day can raise the risk of miscarriage. This is especially the case for women in physically demanding jobs.
   
• Manage stress: While stress cannot always be avoided, keeping it under control has significant benefits during pregnancy. Too much stress can disrupt hormone balance. Studies show that stressed women are more likely to deliver early or have low birth weight babies.
   
• Take folic acid: Folic acid supports the growth of the neural tube in babies, which forms the brain and spine. Taking supplements thus lowers the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects (NTDs). It may also reduce the chance of miscarriage linked to these conditions.
   
• Take vitamin D: Low vitamin D has been associated with a higher risk of miscarriage. Whereas more research is needed, taking the recommended amount of vitamin D before and during pregnancy may offer protection and support your baby’s health.
   
• Limit caffeine intake: Caffeine is usually found in coffee, chocolate, tea, soft drinks and some energy drinks. High intake during pregnancy is linked to miscarriage as well as low birth weight. Too much caffeine when trying to conceive may as well raise miscarriage risk for both women and men.

You create a healthier environment for your baby and reduce the likelihood of miscarriage by making these changes.

Conclusion

Although most miscarriage cases are caused by factors we cannot control, certain lifestyle choices may lower the risk. This is not about blaming women or adding guilt, as everyone has difficult days and moments of weakness. What matters is having the right knowledge. With the right information, we can make healthier choices when trying to conceive and during pregnancy, which may reduce the chances of miscarriage.

The gynaecology clinic is here to support you, whether you would like to learn more about lowering miscarriage risk or if you are facing recurrent pregnancy loss. For guidance or to schedule a private consultation, feel free to get in touch with us today.

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