It is a well-known fact that the 2nd trimester is one of the safest stages of pregnancy. The risk of having a
miscarriage at 6 months is as low as 1%. However, though uncommon, it is possible to suffer from a loss of pregnancy in the 6th month too. The difference is that as the baby is almost fully formed by this time, a miscarriage at 6 months is called a “stillbirth” by medical experts.
What causes miscarriage at 6 months? There are quite a few factors that could lead to a stillbirth or a
miscarriage at 6 months. Given below are some of the most common causes:
• Certain prenatal tests that are usually conducted around the 18th week, namely amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling
• Complications with the placenta, such as infections, placenta previa and placental abruption
• Excess or deficit in the production of hormones, leading to hormonal imbalances
• Health complications such as high blood pressure, diabetes and thyroid disorder
• Lifestyle habits like drinking alcohol, smoking and taking harmful drugs
• Nutritional deficiency, caused by a poor diet or the inadequate intake of supplements
• Presence of sexually transmitted diseases, bacterial infections or viral infections
• Problems affecting the cervix, like a weakened or a thin cervix due to conditions like cervical incompetence
• Uterine fibroids or structural abnormalities in the uterus, which includes problems like a scarred or a divided uterus
Unfortunately, in most cases, your health care provider may not be able to determine the exact cause of a miscarriage at 6 months, unless the fetus is sent to a lab for testing. A
miscarriage at 6 months pregnant will require immediate medical attention as your health care provider will probably have to induce labor.
At 6 months of pregnancy, abortion is not an option, unless there is a threat to the mother’s life if she continues with the pregnancy. Women who do not want to continue with the pregnancy for any reason at this point may consider a self-induced miscarriage. Women in such circumstances may turn to online resources to find out
how to have a miscarriage at 6 months but this is a very dangerous step as this information is both unreliable as well as dangerous. If you have recently undergone a traumatic experience, your emotional upheaval may result in doubts as to whether you should have your baby. It is important that you seek guidance and counseling at this time to help you overcome your fears.
Submitted by N on August 22, 2011 at 06:09
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