What Causes Miscarriage in the First 8 Weeks?

The initial period of pregnancy, especially the first eight weeks, is critical and involves rapid development and change. Unfortunately, it is also the phase when the risk of miscarriage is highest. A miscarriage that occurs during this time is often sudden and emotionally overwhelming. Although it is a common experience, the causes may vary from person to person. Understanding the symptoms and causes early on can significantly help couples who are in their early pregnancy or planning to conceive in the future.

In this blog, we will explore the causes of miscarriages in the first 8 weeks, their types, symptoms, and the role of lifestyle in preventing them.

A] What is a Miscarriage?

A miscarriage is a term used to describe the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks. Most of them occur in the first trimester (the first 12 weeks), and a miscarriage at 8 weeks is relatively common. It usually results from the baby stopping its development in the womb. Among all the possible factors, such as hormonal imbalance or underlying health conditions, chromosomal abnormalities are considered the most influential cause.

B] Types of Miscarriages

Missed miscarriage:  This type of miscarriage is confirmed by an ultrasound, as there are no symptoms of miscarriage, and you are unaware that it happened.

Recurrent miscarriage: When miscarriages happen three times or more, it is categorised as recurrent miscarriage. It is important to discuss this condition with your healthcare provider. Usually, they refer to a specialist or recommend miscarriage testing to identify any underlying causes.

Threatened miscarriage: A threatened miscarriage involves symptoms such as vaginal bleeding and lower abdominal pain, while the cervix remains closed. The pregnancy normally continues; however, a healthcare provider may monitor closely for the remaining months.

Inevitable miscarriage: If you are experiencing heavy bleeding, intense abdominal cramps, with signs of pregnancy tissue beginning to pass, then a miscarriage is inevitable.

C] Symptoms and Causes of Miscarriages in Early Pregnancy

Symptoms of Miscarriage

Miscarriages that occur in the first trimester often include some common signs. Vaginal bleeding, varying from light spotting to heavy bleeding; pain in the lower abdomen; and the passing of tissue or fluid from the vagina are a few of the warning signs. Sometimes, the loss of pregnancy symptoms, including nausea and breast tenderness, could also be an indication of miscarriage. However, in many cases, bleeding or cramping does not always result in miscarriage; therefore, medical consultation is always needed if these symptoms are present.

If you are seeking expert advice, consider consulting a private gynaecologist at Watford for a thorough expert assessment and personalised care.

Causes of Miscarriages

Chromosomal Abnormalities: About 50% of miscarriages in the first trimester are attributed to chromosomal abnormalities. Humans normally have 46 chromosomes, which are 23 pairs, that carry the genetic material. If there is a missing, extra, or structurally altered chromosome, an abnormality occurs. A miscarriage at 6 weeks is often linked to chromosomal abnormalities, where the embryo has the wrong number or structure of chromosomes. It often hinders its proper development, which is recognised by the body, and that naturally ends the pregnancy.

Some common types of chromosomal abnormalities include trisomy (extra chromosome), monosomy (missing a chromosome), triploidy (an entire extra set of chromosomes), and structural abnormalities (deletions, duplications, or translocations).

Hormonal Imbalance: Hormones, the chemical messengers of the body, play a critical role in preparing and maintaining an environment for the embryo to grow. During the initial 6-8 weeks of pregnancy, before the placenta is fully formed, the pregnancy is vulnerable to hormonal fluctuations. If the required hormones are not present in the right amounts, the miscarriage is more likely. Low progesterone, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and uncontrolled diabetes are among the causes of hormonal and metabolic imbalances that may affect pregnancy outcomes.

Infections: Infections, including bacterial, viral, or parasitic, can cause inflammation in the uterus. It can also impact other reproductive organs, leading to complications in an early stage of pregnancy. During the first trimester, high fever can also be a concern for a developing pregnancy. It can impact the development of the foetus and the formation of organs, which can add to the risk of miscarriage. Infections such as listeria, which is found on contaminated food, and toxoplasmosis, which is caused by exposure to cat litter, are some of the infections that can harm the foetus. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also contribute to complications in early pregnancy.

Advanced maternal age: Advanced maternal age is a medical term that refers to pregnancies in women over the age of 35. Although such pregnancies aren’t treated much differently and progress normally, the risk of certain complications is slightly higher, such as miscarriage, genetic disorders, and congenital disorders. This is because, with age, the number and quality of eggs decline, which increases the chance of chromosomal issues. Therefore, it is important to stay healthy and remain aware of the pregnancy symptoms due to the associated risks. Even though that’s the case, many women have healthy pregnancies and babies after 35.

Diabetes: If you have diabetes, especially during early pregnancy, there is a potential risk of miscarriage. Maintaining healthy sugar levels is crucial for the proper development of the embryo and the formation of the placenta. If type-1 or type-2 diabetes is poorly managed, complications such as miscarriage, birth defects, and even preterm birth are possible. Gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, if its levels are not maintained, can also result in complications. A healthy diet, medication, and regular prenatal care can reduce these risks and contribute effectively to a normal pregnancy.

D] Role of Lifestyle in the Prevention of Early Miscarriage

A healthy lifestyle plays an important role in reducing the risks of early miscarriage, while its absence can worsen the condition. A balanced diet, moderate exercise, avoiding intoxication, and managing stress are the key factors of a healthy pregnancy. Ensuring proper prenatal care through regular checkups at a gynaecology healthcare clinic and taking essential vitamins like folic acid, which prevents birth defects, greatly reduces pregnancy complications.

Managing underlying health conditions, such as thyroid disorders or diabetes, can improve well-being if detected and treated early during pregnancy. Adequate sleep, hydration, and making informed choices at every step can significantly strengthen the journey of pregnancy.

Conclusion

Miscarriage is a condition that is often misunderstood. It can be a painful experience both physically and emotionally. However, experiencing a miscarriage does not mean you cannot have children in the future. This is why couples need to understand the types, symptoms, and causes and seek timely medical advice if any concerning signs surface. It is even more crucial in early pregnancy when the risk of miscarriage is high.

Even though not all miscarriages are preventable, following a healthy lifestyle, managing underlying conditions, and taking necessary safety measures greatly reduce the risk. Since every pregnancy is unique, open communication with healthcare providers, emotional support, and self-care are equally important in this phase.

If you are experiencing any concerning symptoms or are worried about your unique complications, consider booking an appointment at Women’s Healthcare, one of the best gynaecology clinics in London. Their comprehensive services for women can provide tailored solutions to your needs.