Last Updated on May 18, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta
Miscarriages can happen due to various reasons. The causes can vary depending on the trimester, and in some cases, the causes remain unidentified.
According to APA (American Pregnancy Association), majority of the miscarriages take place in the first 13 weeks of the pregnancy. During the first trimester, the chances of having a miscarriage are the highest. One of the causes could be a chromosomal anomaly, where the number of chromosomes is either less or more due to which the foetus is unable to develop. Poor development of the placenta may deprive the baby of the blood supply, which can also lead to miscarriage.
Other reasons which can increase the risk of miscarriage are various health conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, very high blood pressure, kidney diseases, severe infections, uncontrolled thyroid diseases, physical trauma, congenital heart disease, PCOS, weak cervix, uterus anomalies such as arcuate uterus, fibroids, food poisoning, certain medicines such as retinoids, etc. Although these are certainly risk factors, such conditions do not necessarily lead to a miscarriage.
The risk increases with increasing age, obesity, smoking and drinking during pregnancy. APA states that there is no proof that stress, sexual activity or moderate exercise can cause a miscarriage.
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