Miscarrige
Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before the baby is able to survive outside the womb. This is usually accepted as being about 24 weeks, however most miscarriages happen in the first 12 weeks.
Miscarriage is commoner in women over 40. It is not always possible to know why the pregnancy ends this way, but the commonest reason is due to some abnormality with the fertilized egg. Occasionally there may be a weakness with the neck of the womb or the lining and the embryo is not able to implant properly. In these instances sometimes a threatened abortion occurs which may be halted by medical intervention.
Illnesses such as Lupus or infections such as Listeria, may cause a miscarriage. There has also been discovered, as a result of some couples having recurrent miscarriages, a genetic abnormality between the parents, which if both passed on may be fatal to the embryo.
One miscarriage does not mean that a full term pregnancy is excluded in the future. It must be remembered that in order for the embryo to develop properly both the womb and the mother should be fit well and healthy. This means no smoking, alcohol or drugs and to follow a sensible diet.
Further information can be obtained from the Miscarriage Association 01924 200799
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