1. Miscarriages Are Common But Not Easy
Miscarriages, sadly, are more common than you might think. The American Pregnancy Association states that anywhere from 10 to 25 percent of diagnosed pregnancies will end in miscarriage. This is important to know when you are feeling the loss of a miscarriage and think you are alone in your grief. Chemical pregnancies, which are pregnancies that are lost soon after the fertilized egg implants in the uterine wall, account for an estimated two to three out of four of these miscarriages.
2. Don't Share the Good News Just Yet
For women that have tried for years to get pregnant, when they finally find two of those little lines on the pregnancy test, they want to tell the world. It might be best to share with your closest friends and family you trust, and leave most people out of the loop for now. This is because if you should be one of those 10 to 25 percent that suffer miscarriages, you won't have to share this personal information. Most miscarriages occur before the 13th week of pregnancy. If you have had a miscarriage, talk to someone you trust who understands your loss to share your thoughts and feelings. Also, talk to your gynecologist, he is experienced in dealing with not only the medical, but also the emotional issues surrounding miscarriage and can help you with your loss.
3. Take Steps to Avoid Miscarriage
Certain lifestyle choices can increase your risk of miscarriages. If you are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant, you should avoid things like exposure to radiation and other toxic substances, including cigarette smoke, drugs and alcohol. Try to cut back on caffeine and make sure you are eating a well balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables to ensure you're getting all your vitamins and minerals. If your doctor recommends it, you also might want to take a multi-vitamin with folic acid, shown to prevent some types of birth defects, and DHA and ARA, proven useful in brain development.
4. Age Can Make a Difference
Miscarriages tend to increase as you age. In fact, it is more likely you will have a miscarriage over the age of 35 than if you've had a previous miscarriage and are under the age of 35. Your risk of miscarriage before the age of 35 is 15 percent, and 25 percent if you've had a miscarriage before, while your risk between the ages of 35 and 45 are 20 to 35 percent. The greatest risk is for those over 45, where one in two pregnancies could end in a miscarriage.
5. Direct Any Doubts to Your Doc
Call your gynecologist if you have any new miscarriage symptoms. Most are happy to answer your questions and want to know if anything is wrong. Call if you have red or brown bleeding, with or without cramps, back pain, weight loss, or any mucous or clots passing from your vagina. Also call, if you have a decrease in the signs of pregnancy.
