what causes a miscarriage in the first trimester?

(June 15, 2010)

Pregnancy Miscarriage First Trimester

A miscarriage is basically the spontaneous abortion of the fetus during pregnancy. Any pregnancy that ends spontaneously thereby not giving the fetus a chance to survive is termed as a miscarriage. Any kind of vaginal bleeding other than minor spotting is a cause for concern and needs to be checked for a possibility of a miscarriage. However there have been many cases where pregnant women are known to have some vaginal bleeding during the early months of their pregnancy and yet have a completely normal pregnancy.

The first trimester of the pregnancy is considered to be critical for both the mother and the child as the vital organs, muscles and tissues of the baby start forming. There are both fetal and maternal factors that could result in a miscarriage in the first trimester of pregnancy. One of the fetal miscarriage factors includes chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, trisomies, sex chromosome polysomies etc. Such abnormalities are caused on account of a problem in the cell division in the embryo or a pre existing problem in the egg or the sperm. Similarly abnormalities like fatal malformations, neural tube and other fusion defects, etc. in the fetus also lead to early miscarriages. Maternal factors resulting in miscarriages include anatomic abnormalities like fibroids, uterine septum etc along with poorly monitored and controlled chronic diseases in the mother like thyroid, hypertension, diabetes etc. Sometimes infections like herpes simplex, rubella and toxoplasma also lead to miscarriages during the first trimester. Additionally sometimes the embryo does not implant itself properly on the uterine wall on account of which it is unable to survive and grown properly thus leading to a miscarriage. Certain external factors also contribute to miscarriages in the first trimester of pregnancy; these include trauma, smoking, consumption of excessive alcohol, steroids or even drug abuse. The age of the mother at the time of pregnancy is also a factor that could lead to early miscarriages. Another factor for miscarriages observed in a small percentage of women is cervical incompetence which is difficult to diagnose early.

The best way to avoid or lower the chances of a miscarriage in the first trimester during pregnancy is to ensure that the pregnant woman is regularly monitored by a medical practitioner through her pregnancy. Additionally avoiding the consumption of alcohol, smoke, drugs etc and strenuous physical activities also help in avoiding any problems like miscarriages during the first few months of pregnancy.

Submitted by P T on June 15, 2010 at 12:23

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