How to Avoid a Miscarriage
Miscarriage is a traumatic experience which any mother-to-be would certainly wish to avoid. However, the majority of miscarriages occur because of chromosomal defects, which occur randomly and are impossible to prevent. Even so, many women would like to know how to avoid a miscarriage. There are a few measures you can take to try to minimize your risk.
First, as soon as you find out you are pregnant, seek proper medical care. Having your doctor with you from the very beginning can make a big difference in detecting and preventing problems later. Once you have selected your physician, go prepared to each appointment with lots of information and a willingness to ask and answer questions fully. Know your family’s medical history, especially if there is a history of birth defects.
Your doctor may recommend bed rest or a sedentary lifestyle. Also, inform your doctor about any medications, supplements, hormones, or other drugs (including cigarettes and alcohol) that you consume. This will help you and your doctor determine if there is any pre-existing risk for miscarriage.
It may seem basic, but eat healthfully – starting before you conceive, if possible. This helps to make your body as primed as possible to carry off a healthy, successful pregnancy. In addition, you will want to quit smoking, as it has been shown that women who smoke are at a higher risk of miscarriage.
Caffeinated beverages have also been shown to have some effect on miscarriage – switch from coffee to tea at a minimum, and if you can completely cut out caffeine, all the better. Alcohol can seriously affect the developing fetus; it should be clear that this is another substance you should steer clear of completely.
If you’ve experienced any pain or bleeding, tell your doctor immediately. Refrain from sex until the issue is identified and resolved. While light bleeding or spotting can be normal, bleeding with cramping and/or lower back pain can signal an impending miscarriage. Bed rest may be indicated.
It is important to keep in mind, however, than even the healthiest women, can experience miscarriages. In fact, up to 30% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, with the vast majority having no relevance to a lifestyle cause. If you do experience a miscarriage in spite of these precautions, you must do your best not to blame yourself. Take the time to grieve and recover – and then try again. |
