A pregnancy miscarriage can have many causes and is usually spurred by chromosomal abnormalities. Studies show that between 10 to 25 percent of call clinically recognized pregnancies end up miscarriage. There are thankfully ways to reduce the chance of a miscarriage.
Pregnancy stress is bad for the mother and the baby. If there’s a serious risk of miscarriage, minimizing stress is a necessity. Take care of your mood, and stay relaxed and calm at all times. Many mothers will practice meditation and mindfulness to help maintain their focus in remaining calm. The happier a mother is and the more relaxed they are, the less likely they are to have a miscarriage.
To minimize the risks of a miscarriage or complications with your pregnancy, here are some ways to prevent miscarriage:
1. Exercise
Exercising is one of the best ways to prevent miscarriage. Staying healthy during a pregnancy can help prevent complications and cut down on the chance of a miscarriage. That said, be aware that you shouldn’t be going 100% intensity in your workouts. You want to keep the intensity of your workout at a moderate level during pregnancy as to keep your body active but not straining.
2. Progesterone
Progesterone therapy has been shown to prevent miscarriage in some women. Progesterone is an essential hormone to a healthy pregnancy. For women who are bleeding early in pregnancy and/or who have a previous history of miscarriage, vaginal progesterone treatment is among potential ways to minimize the chances of a miscarriage. However, you should consult with a fertility doctor and explore your options first before seeking this type of treatment.
3. Healthy diet
A healthy diet can be a great way to prevent miscarriage. Women who eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains lower their risk of pregnancy complications significantly. A healthy diet also helps to control weight and optimize blood sugar for pregnant women who also have diabetes to contend with. Stick to fruits, veggies, and whole grains to keep your body functioning to the best of its abilities.
4. Wash your hands
It may sound silly but there are a number of infections which can cause a miscarriage. When you wash your hands, you’re taking away viruses and bacteria which could impact you. Before and after eating, after using a restroom, if you’re around anyone who is sick, or after existing public places, remember to wash your hands.
5. Prenatal care
Every pregnant woman should be engaged in prenatal care. Get a physical exam from your doctor, identify health problems or potential pregnancy complications you may not be aware of, and decide on a treatment plan. There are a number of things which can lead to miscarriage or complications, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cervical or uterine abnormalities, and sexually transmitted infections. The more you know about these, the better managed they’ll be.
6. No Alcohol
This is one of the most common pieces of advice given to pregnant couples and it still rings true. Alcohol is to be avoided. Fetal alcohol syndrome is the most obvious risk but there is a risk of miscarriage and stillbirth, especially with regular alcohol use. Although some will say a little is ok, studies have shown no alcohol is the safest amount and that’s what we recommend.
7. Quit smoking
If you smoke, not only are you putting yourself at risk for so many different diseases including cancer but you’re more likely to experience a miscarriage. Even if you clear the point of when a miscarriage happens, you could still have a stillborn baby, a preterm delivery, or give birth to a baby with a low birth weight. Quitting tobacco is a necessary and very, very smart move for someone who is pregnant.
8. No flu shots
For a pregnant woman who gets the flu while carrying child, this can be potentially fatal for the baby. Any fear of a flu shot is not reasonable considering the possible consequences that come with risking flu season. Subsequently, assuming the flu doesn’t lead to a miscarriage, it can also potentially result in neural tube defects which are common among women who have a high fever.
9. Avoid kitchen bacteria
Avoid sources of dangerous bacteria in the kitchen. Food-borne illnesses like salmonella and listeria increase the risk of miscarriage. Uncooked meats and unpasteurized cheeses are a few of the things to avoid. Also, safe food handling is necessary as well. This means washing fresh produce, using or freezing meat within 1-2 days of purchasing it, refrigerating leftovers promptly, and always ensuring meat, eggs, fish, and anything potentially carrying bacteria is cooked thoroughly.
10. Avoid medications
Chronic health issues like lupus, diabetes, and high blood pressure increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Regarding a miscarriage, the best bet you have at lowering the risk is by following your medications and keeping your chronic condition under control. Obviously, a pregnant woman may have to get off some medications deemed unsafe for the baby. Do so under a doctor’s care. Don’t’ try it alone. The doctor’s recommendation will be key.
11. Safe sex
If you’re pregnant and continue to have sex, it should be safe sex. Sexually transmitted infections can cause miscarriage or other complications and anyone sexually active is at risk for an STI. If your partner has more than one sexual partner, you want to ensure you and them get tested. Anyone with multiple partners should use a condom, even during pregnancy. This is the only way to adequately protect against an STI.