Miscarriages are also known as spontaneous abortion, or we can refer to them as the unexpected ending of a pregnancy. It is also considered pregnancy loss in medical terms. It is a phenomenon that comprises the death of an embryo before it is being delivered. Most miscarriages occur before a woman misses a menstrual period that is before they know or are aware that they are pregnant. These cases are about one-third to half of all pregnancies in the world. In some cases, people know that they are pregnant but result in miscarriage. This data is about 10 to 20% of the world.

Risk of Miscarriages

A miscarriage mostly in about 99% of cases occurs within the first three months of pregnancy. Only one percent of cases occur after 3 months or 20 week gestation period. 

The miscarriages that occur after the three months of pregnancy are termed late miscarriages. But the time of miscarriage where is from person to person.

• A pregnancy loss or miscarriage can occur before a person is aware that she is pregnant. But if a healthy Heartbeat of the embryo is detected in ultrasound the chance of miscarriage is very low (approximately 10-15%).
• A woman less than 30 years of age has a 12 to 15% chance of pregnancy loss.
• A woman more than 35 years of age has a higher risk of miscarriage as compared to younger women. After the age of 35, the chance of miscarriage is about 20% and after the age of 40 the risk is about 40% and the risk is about 80% when a woman is more than 45 years old.
• Women who have more than two consecutive miscarriages are prone to a higher risk of pregnancy loss even at a younger age. 
• Certain health conditions especially having a chronic disease such as uncontrolled diabetes will have more risk of miscarriage.
• Weak cervical tissues are certain uterine conditions that also increase the chances of pregnancy loss. 
• When a woman is overweight or underweight it can also increase the risk of miscarriage.
• Smoking is drinking alcohol during the time of pregnancy can also increase the chances of miscarriage. Illicit drugs are also responsible for increasing the risk of miscarriage. 
• Most miscarriages (around 80%) occur during the first trimester (0 to 13 weeks). In these cases, the woman is able to have a healthy pregnancy in the future.
• Approximately 50 to 75% of pregnancies end in miscarriage during 3-4 weeks.
• 21% of miscarriages occur during the 5th week.
• After the 5th week of pregnancy, the chance of pregnancy loss drops down to 5% or less than that as in the 6th week the heartbeat of the embryo is detected in the ultrasound. 

Risk of three miscarriages in a row

• Women who have had two or more consecutive miscarriages previously will have more risk of miscarriage.
• If a woman is in her 20s the risk of three miscarriages in a row is very less. But if a woman is over 30 years of age the risk of three miscarriages in a row is more as compared to a younger woman.

Causes of miscarriages

There are a number of causes that can be responsible for pregnancy loss. Some of the causes are as follows:

• Chromosomal problems are the most possible cause of miscarriage. 
• Use of drug 
• Hormone problems
• Overweight or underweight
• Regular drinking and smoking
• Incompetent cervix
• Severe kidney diseases
• Chronic diseases such as diabetes
• High levels of radiation or toxic agents
• Improper implantation of a fertilised egg in the uterine lining
• Severe malnutrition
• Clotting disorder
• Maternal age
• Thyroid problems 
• Infection

Symptoms of miscarriages

Fluid, blood clots, and tissue passing through the vagina are some of the most common symptoms of miscarriage. Some of the other symptoms that are seen after miscarriage are as follows:

• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Cramping 
• Vaginal spotting 
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

Conclusion

Miscarriage is not anyone’s fault. It is a spontaneous loss of an embryo before the 20th week of pregnancy. It can be referred to as spontaneous abortion. It can be confirmed by a pelvic exam and an ultrasound test. If a miscarriage is not confirmed by the pelvic examination while having the symptoms of miscarriage a woman should have bed rest and might be admitted to the hospital.

In most cases, the pregnancy ends with a healthy birth even if there are a lot of risk factors associated with pregnancy loss. Most people have a healthy pregnancy following a miscarriage when a person has undergone a miscarriage she should receive proper medical care along with the support of family members and especially her husband.