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Miscarriage refers to a pregnancy that ends before 24 weeks gestation. Miscarriages are extremely common in the first 3 months of pregnancy. Evidence shows that 1:6 pregnancies results in a miscarriage, this normally occurs before the 14th week and is known as early miscarriage. Some Statistics Statistics from the Royal College of Obstetricians and gynecologists; 2010 management of early pregnancy loss indicates that, √15% of all pregnancies is known to result in a miscarriage √More than 50% of miscarriages occur in the 1st trimester. √1-2% of spontaneous miscarriages occur after the 13th week of pregnancy √The miscarriage rate for women under 35 years of age is known to be around 6% √The miscarriage rate for 35 years and over is about 25% Types of miscarriage Early miscarriage (before 13 weeks gestation) Late miscarriage (after 13 weeks) Single miscarriage (one miscarriage) Recurrent miscarriage (more than 3 occasions) Causes of miscarriage The causes of miscarriage are mostly unknown but studies have shown that the causes may include: √ Fetal: 50% of this is due to a chromosomal abnormality during the early stages of pregnancy. Miscarriages can also occur when there is a change in the genetics as well as the structure or competent of a chromosome. A baby�s chromosome carries his or her genetic information; this is made up of both the mother and father�s chromosomes. A baby can have a genetic abnormality if there are mistakes in the way these chromosomes are transmitted and this usually ends in a miscarriage. √ Maternal: Early miscarriages have been attributed to maternal effects such as age with the risk increasing as a woman gets older. √ Structural abnormalities of the genital tract: The most common includes cervical incompetence (weak cervix). It can lead to a miscarriage. If a woman is known to be at risk, cervical stitches can be used to prevent this. An abnormal shape of the womb can also cause a miscarriage. A baby cannot grow properly in such a womb (uterus). Fibroids can cause a woman to miscarry, a large fibroid or fibroids can compete with the baby for space in the womb. √Infections: this includes rubella (German measles), Listeria, HIV, hepatitis, toxoplasmosis, Chlamydia. It is important that all these infections are treated if identified prior to a woman getting pregnant. √Maternal disease such as diabetes, thyroid dysfunction and renal disease etc can cause miscarriages if they are not well controlled √Blood clotting disorders Some blood clotting disorders of the immune system can interfere with the body�s normal blood clotting, this affects the flow of blood to the placenta and may cause clots which can disrupt the functioning of the placenta therefore causing the baby to be deprived of essential nutrients and oxygen which may result in a miscarriage. How to decrease the risk of a miscarriage A healthy lifestyle is very important before conception. It is essential to eat a balanced diet, you shouldn't be overweight or under weight and you should also give up alcohol if you love it. For more information on miscarriages please contact the writer