Getting pregnant can be one of the most exciting times in a woman’s life. After all, it sometimes takes months, or even years, to get pregnant.
Unfortunately, not all pregnancies end in a happy delivery. Miscarriages happen more often than you might think.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, “Miscarriage is a term used for a pregnancy that ends on its own, within the first 20 weeks of gestation.” This is a common reality that is said to affect somewhere between 10 and 25 percent of clinically recognized pregnancies, as originally reported by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). The majority of these miscarriages are said to occur within the first 13 weeks of pregnancy.
There are many factors that can cause a miscarriage, and the exact cause is often indeterminate. According to the American Pregnancy Association, the most common of these is a chromosomal abnormality. However, hormones, infections, improper egg implantation, the mother's age and maternal trauma can cause miscarriage.
Certain lifestyle factors are thought to increase the risk of miscarriage. Take a look at these six habits and lifestyle factors that may increase the risk.
- Caffeine Intake
Studies link the likelihood of miscarriage to caffeine. According to CBS News, one such study, conducted by researchers at the National Institutes of Health and Ohio State University, found that more than two caffeinated drinks daily before and post conception can increase the chance of miscarriage. The study also cited a link between daily multivitamins and a decreased risk of miscarriage.
Researchers studied related to fertility and environmental factors to see how lifestyle habits affect pregnancy outcomes during “sensitive windows of fetal development,” study author Germaine Beck Louis, Ph.D., told CBS News. Lifestyle factors of 344 pregnant couples were analyzed, 98 of which resulted in a miscarriage. Some of these factors included: smoking, caffeine intake and consuming multivitamins.
According to CBS News, researchers sought to examine the weeks before conception up to the seventh week of gestation. Study authors concluded that both parties who drank more than two beverages containing caffeine daily increased the risk of miscarriage. Interestingly, researchers found that male consumption of caffeine equaled pregnancy loss when compared to female consumption. Researchers found a doubled rate of miscarriage in women older than 35.
However, taking multivitamins before pregnancy and during the first seven weeks of pregnancy decreased the risk of miscarriage by nearly 80 percent, reports CBS News. The rate fell to 55 percent if moms took multivitamins before conception and didn’t continue taking the vitamins in following weeks.
- Uncontrolled Diabetes
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes increases the risk of early delivery, miscarriage and stillbirth.
Consequently, it’s important to take steps to control diabetes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) says that this means keeping blood sugar under control. Part of this process is to plan for pregnancy. The ADA says that this can be done by establishing healthy lifestyle habits both to decrease the risk of complications and establish the health of the baby.
Further, exercise, diet and having a pre-pregnancy exam are important. Prenatal care should include a doctor who is familiar with the disease. Pregnant women with diabetes should see a doctor more often than those who do not have diabetes. Risks and blood glucose levels should be monitored continuously to protect both the mother's health and the health of the fetus.
- Smoking
- Factors Related to the Environment
- Obesity
It’s no secret that studies have linked smoking to low birth weight. But did you know that it may contribute to miscarriages, too?
According to Reuters, a study led by Dr. Sachiko Baba of Osaka University in Japan discovered a concerning statistic. Researchers linked heavy smoking in the early stages of pregnancy to a more-than-double risk of miscarriage in the first trimester.
The study analyzed records related to more than 400 first-trimester miscarriages. It was discovered that those who smoked heavily during pregnancy (20 cigs or more per day) had two times the risk of miscarriage when compared to nonsmokers.
According to Web MD, a number of environmental hazards may increase the risk of miscarriage. For starters, lead is thought to contribute to this risk. This involves lead found in water pipes used in homes constructed before 1978 and the use of lead paint.
Web MD also warns that chemicals found in common items may be of concern. These can include paint thinners, degreasers, stain or varnish removers and pesticides. Others also say that chemicals associated with fracking may pose a risk.
According to Healthline, obesity increases the risk of miscarriage in pregnant women. This may elevate the likelihood of fetal problems such as spina bifida, cardiovascular problems, hydrocephaly and cleft palate. Further, it increases the risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Not Getting Tested for STDs
No one wants to think about STDs when they’re pregnant. However, all pregnant women should be tested.
According to Web MD, having certain STDs while pregnant can harm the baby. The first of these is HIV, which can be transmitted to a fetus. That said, appropriate medications can greatly reduce this risk, making testing an important part of healthy prenatal care.
Another issue that can harm newborns is herpes. If a pregnant mother has an active herpes outbreak in the vaginal area, it can infect the newborn during a vaginal delivery. To prevent infection, a c-section may be advised.
Gonorrhea and chlamydia are two other STDs that can pose a risk to babies. In fact, Web MD says that gonorrhea can increase the risk of both miscarriage and early delivery. Plus, it can cause blindness, joint infection or serious blood infection in the newborn. Chlamydia can increase the risk of both miscarriage and early delivery, and it can cause eye infections and pneumonia in newborn babies.