Miscarriage (cont.)
What does NOT cause miscarriage?
It must be emphasized that exercise, working, and sexual
intercourse do not increase the risk of pregnancy loss in routine
(uncomplicated) pregnancies. However, in the unusual circumstance where a woman
is felt by her physician to be at higher risk of spontaneous abortion, she may
be advised to stop work and
intercourse. Women with past history of premature delivery and other specific
obstetrical conditions might fall under this category.
Are there lifestyle factors associated with miscarriage?
Smoking more than 10 cigarettes per day is associated
with an increased risk of pregnancy loss, and some studies have even shown that
the risk of miscarriage increases with paternal smoking. Other factors, such as
alcohol use, fever, use
of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs around the time of embryo implantation,
and caffeine use have all been suggested to increase the risk of miscarriage,
although more studies are needed to fully clarify any potential risks associated
with these factors. Of course, alcohol is a known teratogen (a chemical that can
damage the developing fetus), so pregnant women are advised to abstain from
drinking alcoholic beverages.
What are the symptoms of a miscarriage?
Cramping and vaginal bleeding are the most common symptoms noticed with
spontaneous abortion. The cramping and bleeding may be very mild, moderate, or
severe. There is no particular pattern as to how long the symptoms will last.
Vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy is often referred
to as a "threatened abortion." The term "threatened" abortion is used since
miscarriage does not always follow vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy, even
after repeated episodes or large amounts of bleeding. Studies have shown that
90-96% of pregnancies with fetal cardiac activity that result in vaginal bleeding at 7 to 11 weeks of
gestation will result in an ongoing pregnancy.
Next: What will the doctor look for during an examination with suspected
miscarriage? »
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