Learn More about the Causes of Miscarriage By HCRM on November 16, 2016

Miscarriages are an unfortunately common occurrence in the reproductive process. So common, in fact, that women who are not trying to have a child may not even know that they have had a miscarriage. If you are trying to conceive, however, a miscarriage can seem devastating. You may immediately wonder if there is something wrong or if you did something wrong. In a majority of cases, there is no one particular cause for a miscarriage. Most women who miscarry are able to conceive and have natural and healthy births later on.

However, if you have had multiple or recurrent miscarriages, you may want to seek fertility treatment to determine the causes of miscarriage and improve your chances of conception. At our Omaha, NE fertility center, our doctors will help determine the cause and help you overcome it so you can begin growing your family.

Chromosomal Abnormalities

A mismatch of chromosomes accounts for more than half of all miscarriages. When this mismatch of chromosomes between the egg and the sperm occurs, the embryo suffers an abnormality that typically results in miscarriage. One miscarriage does not mean you cannot have children, but if you have multiple recurring miscarriages, it is important to get tested for any abnormalities that might inhibit your ability to conceive.

Uterine or Cervical Abnormalities

Uterine abnormalities are another common cause of miscarriages. An abnormally sized or shaped uterus can hinder the embryo’s ability to implant or develop. Our doctors can correct certain uterine abnormalities with surgery.

In other cases, patients may have a cervical abnormality, referred to as an “incompetent cervix”. When this occurs, as the fetus begins to develop, the cervix is unable to retain the fetus, resulting in miscarriage. To prevent future miscarriages, a surgical procedure can help strengthen the cervix. After conceiving, your doctors may also require bed rest to prevent miscarriage or other complications.

Immunologic Disorders

Certain immunologic disorders can cause a woman’s immune system to attack her body’s own healthy tissues, including embryos, which can result in a miscarriage. In most cases, treatment with medications can help resolve the issue and allow a woman to conceive.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Women with abnormally high levels of testosterone often experience irregular ovulation and menstruation. It can also cause insulin resistance, which inhibits maturation of the endometrial lining, preventing embryo implantation. To prevent future miscarriages, your doctor may recommend an anti-diabetic drug.

Infections

Certain bacterial infections can result in recurrent miscarriages. Unfortunately, these types of infections rarely present problematic symptoms until you begin trying to conceive. These bacterial infections can occur in both women and men and can inhibit your ability to get pregnant. A simple test and treatment with antibiotics can eliminate the infection and prevent future miscarriage.

Lifestyle

Your lifestyle can greatly impact your ability to get pregnant. Use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs can seriously hinder your ability to conceive. Your diet, weight, and environment can also play a role. To minimize your risk of miscarriage, you should eliminate tobacco and alcohol and improve your diet. Your doctor may make other recommendations based on environmental factors.