Recurrent miscarriage is the loss of two or more consecutive pregnancies that have involuntarily ended before 20 weeks. To be called a miscarriage, these pregnancies should have been clinically-recognised on an ultrasound or pregnancy tissue found after the loss.
How does recurrent miscarriage affect you?
If you are trying to get pregnant, recurrent miscarriages can be physically and emotionally difficult for you and your partner to handle.
Which part of the body is affected?
The female reproductive system is made up of the following parts:
- Vagina opening of the reproductive system, which allows the entry of sperm.
- Cervix narrow region that connects the vagina to the uterus.
- Uterus or womb where a fertilised egg implants and grows to develop into a baby.
- Ovaries organs on either side of the uterus, which release an egg each month in the prospect of a pregnancy
- Fallopian tubes narrow tubes that open out at the ovaries to pick up the released egg for fertilisation.
Each month an egg is released from an ovary and is taken up by the fallopian tube. If it gets fertilised by sperm, the embryo travels to the uterus and implants in the uterine membrane. From here, it develops into a baby.
What are the lifestyle recommendations to prevent recurrent miscarriage?
The lifestyle recommendations to prevent recurrent miscarriage are:
- Avoid smoking cigarettes.
- Avoid cocaine.
- Reduce alcohol intake.
- Reduce excess caffeine intake.