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Causes and Risk of Miscarriage

• Genetic Defects and Abnormalities: This is the most common cause of a miscarriage and occurs due to a deficit of chromosomes in the embryo.
• Problems with the Embryo: A pregnancy can fail in cases where there is no embryo developing in the sac (also known as a blighted ovum) or when the embryo is present but its heart has stopped beating (this is known as a missed miscarriage).
• Ectopic Pregnancy: When the embryo implants in the fallopian tubes and not the uterus, it is known as an ectopic pregnancy. This is a dangerous situation and if not treated immediately by surgery and medication may even prove fatal.
• Other Health Problems: Existing health problems such as infections of the fetus or placenta and hormonal problems of the mother can affect a pregnancy and can lead to a miscarriage. Diseases such as lupus, diabetes, and congenital abnormalities of the reproductive system can lead to a miscarriage as well. Hormonal factors include conditions such as PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), thyroid problems and Cushing's disease.
• Environmental factors and lifestyle habits such as radiation, toxic chemicals, smoking, drugs, and excessive caffeine may increase the chances of a miscarriage.
• Surgical procedures such as amniocentesis and uterine procedures may increase the chance of a miscarriage.
  

• Age: Pregnant women above the age of 35 are more likely to miscarry than younger women. This risk more than doubles if the woman is over 45.
• Previous Miscarriages: Women who have had previous miscarriages are 25% more likely to miscarry again.
• Smoking and Alcohol: Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking and drinking can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancies, birth defects and miscarriages.
• Caffeine: While there are some studies that indicate a link between the excessive use of caffeine and miscarriages, further research is still needed to prove this. However, it would be prudent to avoid too much caffeine when pregnant irrespective.
• Obesity: Women who weigh more are more likely to miscarry as compared to women with normal Body Mass Indexes.