The biggest fear of every mother and father expecting a baby is that of a miscarriage . It is a very sensitive and sad topic. Many people mistakenly think that miscarriages happen due to the mother's negligence or mistake. But the truth is, the story is much different. Today, let's talk about whether a miscarriage can really be prevented, what we can do about it, and what are the things that are beyond our control.
Why do miscarriages really happen?
First, let's understand this. The majority of miscarriages are caused by genetic abnormalities in the developing embryo. Simply put, a baby needs half the genes from the mother and half the genes from the father to be born. When these genes are put together, sometimes small, random errors and mistakes can occur. It's like a piece of a big puzzle falling out here and there.
An embryo with this genetic defect cannot develop properly. So the body naturally decides not to continue the pregnancy. This is the cause of most miscarriages.
The important thing is, this is not your fault, it's not something you did or didn't do. It's a natural process that happens almost entirely outside of our control.
So, if you have ever had a miscarriage, please don't blame yourself for it. It may have been a decision your body made to prevent the birth of an unhealthy child .
So, is there anything we can do to prevent a miscarriage?
Although we cannot control genetic causes, not all miscarriages happen for that reason. Sometimes, things like the mother's health conditions, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors can also affect the risk of miscarriage.
So, by maintaining a healthy, wholesome lifestyle, we can reduce these other risk factors. In doing so, we maximize the chances and opportunities for a healthy pregnancy. Just think, even a good seed will sprout well if it is planted in fertile soil. Similarly, the best thing we can do is to create the best, safest environment for a healthy embryo to grow in your body.
Things to do to have a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage
It is very important to take care of these things from the moment you start thinking about having a baby, that is, one to two months before conception .
| What to do | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Taking folic acid Take 400 mcg (micrograms) of folic acid daily. | This is essential for the proper development of the baby's brain and spinal cord (neural tube), preventing defects. |
| Healthy diet | A balanced diet containing fresh vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains, and protein provides the necessary nutrition for both mother and child. |
| Maintaining a healthy weight | Being overweight or underweight can affect hormonal balance and increase the risk of miscarriage. |
| Exercising on medical advice | Gentle exercise such as walking and swimming helps with blood circulation, weight control, and stress reduction. |
| Stress management | Excessive stress can affect the body's hormones. Meditation, breathing exercises, and engaging in a hobby can help. |
| Immunizations | Some infections, such as rubella, can cause miscarriage. Talk to your doctor to make sure you are up to date on all your vaccinations before getting pregnant. |
Definitely stay away from these things.
Some habits can directly harm the fetus during pregnancy.
- Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke: Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen the fetus receives, which increases the risk of stunted growth, low birth weight, and miscarriage.
- Alcohol consumption: There is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Even small amounts can harm the baby and increase the risk of miscarriage .
- Illegal drugs: It is essential to avoid these completely.
- Excessive caffeine consumption: Coffee, tea, and some soft drinks contain caffeine. Some studies have shown that drinking more than one or two cups of coffee a day slightly increases the risk of miscarriage. Therefore, it is wise to limit these.
Things to be especially careful about during pregnancy
Once you get pregnant, you have to think a little more about the baby's safety .
- Medication: Do not take any medication without first checking with your doctor. Even over-the-counter pain relievers and cold medicines may not be safe during pregnancy. Be sure to check with your doctor before taking any medication.
- Abdominal protection: It is very important to take care of your abdomen. Sports that involve contact sports, such as those that involve falling, are not recommended during this time. Always wear your seat belt properly when riding in a vehicle.
- Environmental hazards: Avoid exposure to radiation such as X-rays. Also, stay away from environments with toxic chemicals such as arsenic, lead, and formaldehyde.
- Protect yourself from infections: Stay away from people who have contagious diseases like chickenpox and rubella. Wash your hands thoroughly and stay clean. Avoid eating undercooked meat, fish, and raw eggs.
Pre-pregnancy preparation and medical advice
If you have had a previous miscarriage, or have other health problems such as diabetes, thyroid problems, high blood pressure, or autoimmune diseases, it is extremely important to get those conditions properly treated and well controlled before trying to get pregnant again.
Talk to your doctor about this openly. Get the necessary tests done and prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy.
As soon as you find out you're pregnant, see an obstetrician and gynecologist, register, and begin receiving the necessary advice and prenatal care. By receiving proper medical supervision early on, many potential problems can be identified and managed early.
Take-Home Message
- The majority of miscarriages are due to genetic factors that are beyond your control. It is never your fault.
- Following a healthy, balanced lifestyle can reduce the risk of miscarriage. Start taking folic acid before you get pregnant.
- Stay completely away from smoking, alcohol, and illegal drugs during pregnancy.
- If you have other medical conditions, get them properly treated and controlled before getting pregnant.
- Do not take any medication during pregnancy without consulting your doctor.
- It is very important to begin receiving proper medical advice and prenatal care as soon as you find out you are pregnant.
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