A pregnancy loss which occurs during the first twelve weeks of gestation period is known as a first trimester miscarriage. About 80% of total pregnant women experience first trimester miscarriage during their pregnancy. There are three types of first trimester miscarriages. They are missed miscarriage, blighted ovum and chemical pregnancy.
The growth of the fetus stops in pregnancy loss which is termed as missed miscarriage. The second type of miscarriage happens when only the gestational sac develops inside the woman but there is no baby present. This is known as blighted ovum. In chemical pregnancy, pregnancy loss occurs even before the implantation process of the fertilised egg in the lining of the uterus can be actually completed.
However, all these miscarriages occur due to some reason. This article focuses on the causes, symptoms and treatment of miscarriages in first trimester.
Miscarriages in First trimester – Causes
- Chromosomal abnormality in the baby is the most common cause of miscarriage during first trimester. This happens when either the sperm cells or eggs are faulty. It may also happen if the implantation of the eggs has not happened properly.
- A pregnant woman might experience miscarriages in first trimester, if she is suffering from hormonal imbalance, any kind of infection and health problems.
- Imbalanced diet, drinking alcohol and smoking may also lead to miscarriages in first trimester.
- Increased age such as more than 35 years may also lead to miscarriages.
- During pregnancy, if a woman meets with an accident or falls, it may also lead to miscarriages in first trimester.
Miscarriages in First Trimester – Symptoms
- Back pain is one of the most common symptoms of miscarriage in first trimester experienced by many pregnant women.
- Sudden weight loss
- Pain in the contractions every few minutes
- Mucus discharge
- Tissues and blood clots from the vagina
- Bleeding along with cramps
- Breast tenderness
- Nausea
- Food aversions
Miscarriages in First Trimester – Treatment
- A woman requires no medical treatment, if the pregnancy is at an early stage because the body on its own removes the fetal tissues.
- Dilation and curettage is a procedure which is done in order to expel the fetal tissues which also put an end to bleeding.
- If a woman wants to conceive again, this procedure is very helpful because it helps in preventing the spread of infection.
- Emotional therapy is very effective for those women who have undergone several miscarriages in first trimester.
A majority of the miscarriages occur in first trimester due to chromosomal abnormalities. However, a woman cannot avoid it but she can maintain a healthy and balanced diet in order to prevent miscarriages in first trimester.
