A miscarriage is described as the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 24 weeks, occurring most often in the first 12 weeks. They are quite common and occur 10 -20% of pregnancies that are confirmed. It is important to note that nearly most miscarriages 60% occur in the first trimester of pregnancy and are often times unexplainable. Most usually the miscarriages at this stage are said to be genetically based where chromosomes failed to replicate properly. Miscarriage loss can be categorised in the following ways:
Hormonal
Chromosome defects
A physical problem with the cervix
Disorders with the immune system
The premature rupture of the membranes resulting in early labour
Unknown
Blighted ovum
Ectopic pregnancy
Molar pregnancy and still birth
Although the Doctor is not always able to say what the exact cause of a miscarriage is, you will be reassured that its natures way of looking out for your best interest because lets face it, no one wants unnecessary complications during their pregnancy. Ones pregnancy is meant to be a special and unforgettable experience. Those of you who’ve experienced a miscarriage will admit that you try to find every reason to justify why it maight have happened. But the truth of the matter is none of this is relevant. Unfortunately, miscarriages do happen and it does so most times to prepare you for the joys of motherhood with a successful pregnancy the next time around. This being said, it is a saddening and unpleasant experience for any woman to have to endure and when it happens it is important to have the love and support of those around you. No loss is pleasant, especially that of a baby you may have planned for quite sometime to conceiving.
Unfortunately, there is nothing you or anyone else could have done to prevent it. One should be aware that the following are often listed as the commonly blamed factors of a miscarriage when in fact; they have nothing to do with a miscarriage. Lifting a heavy object is a popular myth that I will now dispel. This is applicable only to women who can cause a placental tear in the second and third trimester of their pregnancy. If for some reason you lift something heavy and feel terrible pains soon after, it could possibly mean you may have strained the round ligament which holds your uterus in place. If you bleed after however, you have to consult your midwife or doctor straight away. Im sure youve heard people say not to pick anything up heavier than a certain weight which is true especially in the early and latter months, but again not because it will induce labour per se but because of the pressure it places on your joints and bones and could cause complications to the pregnancy. If for whatever reason you feel the need to lift anything heavy make sure to squat and lift with your legs, not bending and putting pressure on your back. If while lifting you become dubious ask for help after all you are pregnant.
Frightening the baby is another myth. Individuals feel that an accident or loud noises or something that scared you, scared the baby as well, when in fact the baby may not have noticed anything at all. If say for argument sake the baby did react, he is doing so upon a startle reflex which is a healthy sign that the child is developing just fine. Contrary to popular belief, babies DO NOT have heartaches or are frightened to death.
The baby sensing it was unwanted is thought to be another reason for a miscarriage occurring. Even though the initial reaction to the pregnancy may not have been a happy or positive one for some, it does not indicate that it would have caused a miscarriage to occur. Statistics show that 10% of all babies die whether they where wanted or not. Poor eating habits and drinking alcohol before you knew you were pregnant are quite famous reasons for thinking that a miscarriage occurred. Where eating is concerned, the baby will take from you what it needs and only you will suffer. That being said, you can cause a low birth rate child if you do not have a healthy diet throughout your pregnancy. It is important to eat well at all times, but more so when it is discovered you are with child. But in the same breathe; do not blame your eating habits for the spontaneous loss of the foetus.
Where drinking is concerned the baby does not get a drop of blood before implantation and receives just a miniscule amount which isnt enough to worry about passing any dangerous element to him. But if you continue to drink while knowing youre pregnant you can cause serious foetal developmental issues. Another famous myth has to be getting bumped or shoved in the stomach. While as an expectant mother you are more careful than usual, now and then especially if you have a young family and your son or daughter shares your bed they may in deep sleep mistakenly bump into you. You should remember that the baby is well protected inside and it is only you the parent who gets hurt, sad to say. But its nothing that would cause you to go into labour.
Working out or doing exercise is yet another myth. If before pregnancy you were never a gym fanatic dont suddenly change your routine because your body really isnt accustomed to it. If you do feel the need to participate in a gym it is good for you and baby but under supervision and gradually. Also you should be advised not to get your heart rate over 140 or to work out until you feel faint. If your heart rate goes above and beyond this you do run the risk of lessening the amount of oxygen your baby receives.
This may not come as a shock to some of you readers but its been said that sex can cause a miscarriage. Despite the fact that your uterus enlarges and you feel the contractions it does no harm to your baby. Quite often the baby does not notice anything out of the ordinary or so we are told by doctors and is too busy asleep in his watery world. If your doctor has specifically instructed that you abstain from this activity its in your best interest to follow his orders and resume when you get the go ahead.
Contrary to popular belief stress does not cause a miscarriage. Many people are worry warts by nature or we all worry about our unborn child at some stage or other. There are those among us who experience life changing events or traumatic happenings such as a death of a friend, family member or loved one but believe me, you will get through it as painful as it is. Many babies have come into the world when their mother or parents where enduring the highest levels of stress. Work environments are famous for being high stress havens especially the medical profession and any high stress environment. At the end of the day all theses babies arrive in good health or if there is a problem it is not stress related in the least. It is still important that the expectant mothers countenance is undisturbed as little as possible as feelings and emotions are channelled to your little one.
So as you prepare you mind and body for a pregnancy and if you are in the first trimester be positive and do as you are told by your doctor and midwife. The next point I say with abit of reservation, it is good to read and be informed on what should be happening to you, your baby and your body at each milestone, but dont over saturate yourself with too much information as it can cause unnecessary worry. Try to live and enjoy your pregnancy as best as you can.
Source:http://www.babyandbump.com/miscarriage-support/673-miscarriage-facts-myths.html