Causes Of Miscarriage...

With pregnancy and subsequent child birth, it is a transition for a female from girlhood to womanhood. But for many women, this happiest experience of life ends on a sad note because of miscarriage. By gaining some knowledge about miscarriage causes, you can avoid such a situation and have a happy pregnancy.
50 - 60 % of first trimester and 20% of second trimester miscarriages are due to chromosomal abnormalities within the fetus. The factors leading to this cause include chromosomally abnormal sperm or egg, abnormal cell division of the fetus, and chromosomal abnormalities of mother and / or father.Chromosomal abnormal sperm or egg will create a fetus that is genetically abnormal. Therefore, the woman's body will reject the fetus and be a cause of miscarriage. Majority of these miscarriages will occur early in the pregnancy and a lot of women will not even know that they were pregnant.Chromosomal abnormalities of the mother or father require special genetic testing and should be performed by a genetic counselor. The genetic counselor can evaluate the 23 pairs of chromosomes from both the mother and father and assess their risk for recurrent miscarriages. Most physicians require that a couple have at least two if not three miscarriages before referring them for genetic testing.

Signs and Symptoms:

Miscarriage is often accompanied by the following signs and symptoms:

• Bleeding -- brown or bright red vaginal bleeding or spotting. Light bleeding early in pregnancy is fairly common, and does not mean you will have a miscarriage. But you should see your doctor.
• Passage of tissue from the vagina or a gush of clear or pink vaginal fluid
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Signs of pregnancy, such as breast sensitivity and morning sickness, may go away
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint

Common Causes of Miscarriage

• Thyroid disease especially when it is hypothyroidism can be the cause of miscarriage. Therefore it is essential that the woman who is hypothyroid monitor their TSH, T4 and T3 levels regularly because the fetus does not have a fully functional thyroid and relies on the mother for its source
• Diabetes if not followed closely and changes with medications are not made it also can be a cause of miscarriage. During pregnancy the demand of insulin will increase and will change from one stage of pregnancy to the next. This is because during pregnancy there are hormones released that aid in the growth of the fetus but these hormones block the effectiveness of insulin. Therefore, most diabetic women who become pregnant are followed by maternal fetal medicine physicians Any hormonal deficiency such as low progesterone results in loss of pregnancy within the first ten weeks of gestation. Women with thyroid problems are also prone to miscarriages. Fortunately, thyroid problem once diagnosed can be easily treated.Chromosome defects are one of the most common causes of miscarriage. Chromosomes are thread-like structures within the nucleus responsible for determining genetic characteristics. When the sperm and egg fertilise, if any of the chromosome is faulty, it results in miscarriage.
• Many women suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiencies which in turn affect their chances of conception. If they are fortunate enough to conceive, it can sometimes result in miscarriage during the early months of pregnancy. It has been often noted that such women who become pregnant in their late thirties are at a higher risk of miscarriage.
• Tobacco use, alcohol use, and illicit drugs especially cocaine and heroin have been found to be a cause of miscarriage.
• Abnormalities of the uterus usually are a cause of miscarriage after the twelve week of gestation. Unfortunately this is also when they are usually diagnosed.

Do's & Dont's During Pregnancy

Do's and Dont's of Pregnancy

Do's	Dont's
Prenatal Vitamins are a big must everyday. Women planning to conceive can start a course of Prenatal Vitamins after consulting their OBG.	Its best to avoid Seafood during pregnancy because of the high mercury content in it. A sample of these types of fish include: shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish. Canned, chunk light tuna generally has less amounts of mercury than other tuna, but still should only be eaten in moderation.
Exercise during pregnancy is a must. Whatever your fitness level, you should talk to your doctor about exercising while you're pregnant. Yoga and Pilates are considered to be ideal. Walking is a great choice too. Most important thing is to listen to your body!	Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it's also a good idea to avoid any activities that include: bouncing jarring (anything that would cause a lot of up and down movement) leaping a sudden change of direction a risk of abdominal injury Typical limitations include contact sports, downhill skiing, scuba diving, and horseback riding because of the risk of injury they pose.
6 small distributed meals a day and plenty of water is key to keeping your system hydrated and also manage acidity levels. Try to maintain a well-balanced diet that incorporates the dietary guidelines including: lean meats fruits vegetables whole-grain breads low-fat dairy product	Pregnancy does not necessarily mean eating for two [or more] people. You need about 300 extra calories a day. Healthy eating is the key. By eating a healthy, balanced diet you're more likely to get the nutrients you need. But you will need more of the essential nutrients (especially calcium, iron, and folic acid) than you did before you became pregnant.
Organic foods/fruits are considered to be safe during pregnancy and highly recommended. Many foods we enjoy are full of preservatives, flavor enhancers, colorings and even hormones and antibiotics. Check the ingredients before you consume anything.	Don't use/touch chemicals. Chemicals including herbicides, pesticides, paint, stains, and some cleaning solutions may be harmful to your baby.Also stay away from Cat's litter box. This can put you at a risk for Toxoplasmosis.

How to Ensure Your Pregnancy is Healthy

Your pregnancy will last for nine months but your child may suffer mental and physical issues for his entire life if you take part in dangerous activities during pregnancy. It is imperative that you follow good health practices and eliminate unsafe habits before your child is born. Medical experts offer techniques for ensuring a healthy pregnancy.

Instructions

Start before you plan to get pregnant. This is the optimal way of ensuring your child receives the best shot at life but, unfortunately, it's not always realistic. If you are sexually active, even if you aren't planning a pregnancy, stay healthy by eating right and exercising. In addition, make sure your diet contains lots of folic acid, proven in medical studies to prevent some birth defects.

See your doctor as soon as you suspect you are pregnant. Consistent medical attention during pregnancy results in healthier babies. If you can't afford a doctor and don't have medical insurance, make an appointment at your local public health facility for advice.

Stop smoking, drinking and taking non-prescription drugs during your pregnancy. There is no safe level of smoke or alcohol for your unborn baby. If you have an addiction to alcohol or drugs, it is imperative that you seek medical advice immediately. Babies born to alcoholic or junkie mothers exhibit many mental and physical problems, some lasting their entire lives. Stop now.


Follow a good nutritional diet during your pregnancy. Fresh vegetables, fruits and lean protein sources are important for your baby's development.



Stay fit during your pregnancy and maintain a healthy weight. Your doctor will monitor your weight gain and advise you to stay within certain limits that will allow your baby to develop well and also make it easier for you to regain your pre-pregnancy weight. A daily walk is good, however, before starting any new exercise regime, talk to your doctor.


Maintain a happy attitude. Studies indicate that an unborn baby's heart rate speeds up when his mother experiences stress or fright. Enlist the help of family and friends in maintaining a calm and happy attitude whenever possible.