Shedding Light on Miscarriages
People don't like to talk about miscarriage, but it is the most common event during pregnancy. Approximately 30 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage before a woman knows that she is pregnant, and about 15 percent of confirmed pregnancies end in miscarriage. These numbers are definitely high, and they often take women by surprise. Pregnancy care and research have come a long way over the years, and it's easy to assume that the risk of miscarriage continues to drop significantly.
Sadly, the percentage of miscarriages that occur is most likely much higher. As we said before, people simply don't like to talk about miscarriage, which in many ways is its biggest problem. It's important for women to know the complications they may face during pregnancy and how miscarriages can be identified and avoided.
Causes of Miscarriage
A miscarriage can happen for a number of reasons including infection, substance abuse or chronic illness, but more than half are caused by chromosomal anomalies in the egg or sperm. This may sound serious, but all it means is that there is a defect in the sperm cell that fertilized the egg or in the egg itself. It's relatively common, and it doesn't indicate a future risk of miscarriage.
The risk of miscarriage increases as a woman ages. 15 percent of women under the age of 34 have miscarriages, but that number increases to 25 percent for women between the ages of 35 and 39. Women over the age of 40 have a 40 percent chance of miscarriage, and women over the age of 45 are at an even greater risk.
A miscarriage can occur at any time during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, but it is far less likely to occur after the 12th week. This is when the baby's heartbeat can be detected for the first time.
Miscarriage Symptoms
Many miscarriages happen without warning, but there are some symptoms to watch for. These include painful cramping in the abdomen and lower back, vaginal bleeding or spotting and fluid and tissue passing from the vagina. It is possible to have bleeding and spotting during pregnancy and not have a miscarriage, but about half of all women who bleed during the first trimester will miscarry.
If you experience any bleeding or cramping during the first trimester of your pregnancy, consult your OB/GYN. While it usually isn't possible to prevent a miscarriage, you should be in close contact with your primary doctor in case it does happen.
Miscarriage Support
A miscarriage can be devastating for anyone, and it is important to seek out emotional support if it happens to you or a loved one. Fortunately, there are plenty of support groups across the country that will be there for you when you need them. If you cannot find a support group near you or don't feel comfortable joining one, don't be afraid to speak to your loved ones and ask them for help. Miscarriage is a painful subject for many people, but you should never have to face it alone.
As a leading provider of compassionate, highly qualified Lake City and Gainesville, FL OB/GYN care, specialists at All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology offer women and families the best obstetrics and gynecology information and care – whether that be in-person or through outlets such as this website. Helping all women better understand their general health and pregnancy needs is a critical mission of the practice.
Drs. Anthony Agrios, M.D, Joseph lobst, M.D. and their highly capable nurse midwives, nurses and support staff offer Gainesville, Lake City and surrounding areas in Florida the most complete, personal care for women during pregnancy and all stages of life. Everyone from the front-desk assistant to Drs. Agrios and lobst take special care to carefully listen to all of your questions and concerns and make you feel welcome.
In addition to comprehensive pregnancy care, All About Women also offers everything from simple birth control treatment to complex hysterectomy surgery using the most technologically advanced treatment options available, including the innovative DaVinci Robotic surgical system. With offices adjoining a world-class hospital, gynecology specialists at All About Women are capable of offering world class care in a hometown setting.