Can you have a miscarriage at 4 months? Once you enter the fourth month of your pregnancy, you are in the second trimester, which is usually regarded as the safest phase of pregnancy. The risks of suffering a miscarriage at 4 months are comparatively lower. However, this does not mean that you cannot have a miscarriage at 4 months pregnant. Studies indicate that 1 out of 110 pregnancies results in a miscarriage at 4 months.
What can cause a miscarriage at 4 months? Although a
miscarriage at 4 months is not very common, there are several factors that could lead to it. Given below are some of the most common
causes of miscarriage at 4 months:
• Chromosomal abnormalities caused by habits like drinking, smoking or taking drugs
• Problems with the placenta
• Infections or medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and thyroid problems
• Following an unhealthy diet, which could lead to malnutrition or nutritional deficiencies in the baby
• Structural abnormalities in the uterus or the cervix
You could also be at a high
risk of a miscarriage in case you are over 35 years old, or have a history of miscarriages.
What are the signs of miscarriage at 4 months? The signs and
symptoms of a miscarriage during this stage of pregnancy are not very different as compared to the first trimester, but the intensity may be more. Some of the most common symptoms of miscarriage at 4 months include:
• Vaginal bleeding that ranges from light to heavy
• Passing of blot clots and tissue
• Leakage of fluid
• Discharge that can vary in color, ranging from pink to brown
• Severe pain and cramps in the abdomen
• Backache, especially in the lower region
• Spotting
It is important to look out for these signs and even if one or two of them are seen, you need to consult your doctor and go through a checkup, just to make sure that the baby is alright. These signs are not always present in case of a miscarriage, which is why many women only realize about the problem, when they visit their doctors for a routine checkup. Even if the symptoms of a miscarriage are absent, there are other signs that can alert you to the occurrence. This includes the absence of common pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, morning sickness, increased sensitivity to smell, breast tenderness and so on. In case these symptoms reduce drastically or stop completely, you need to let your doctor know about it immediately.
Of course, there have been several instances where women have experienced mild spotting, bleeding or cramps in the 4th month, but have delivered normal babies. It is important for you to let your doctor know about these symptoms and go through a checkup right away. In such cases, you may need to take complete bed rest for a couple of weeks and follow a specific diet until the danger passes. However, it is essential to keep your health care provider informed about any such occurrence.
Submitted by N on August 19, 2011 at 12:56
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