Though any woman can miscarry, some are more likely to miscarry than others. Here are the most common risk factors:

• Age: Older women are more likely to conceive babies with chromosomal abnormalities, and to miscarry them as a result. In fact, 40-year-olds are about twice as likely to miscarry as 20-year-olds
• History of miscarriages: Women who have had two or more miscarriages in a row are more likely than other women to miscarry again
• Chronic diseases or disorders: Poorly controlled diabetes, certain inherited blood clotting disorders, certain autoimmune disorders and certain hormonal disorders
• Uterine or cervical problems: Having certain uterine abnormalities or a weak or abnormally short cervix known as cervical insufficiency
• History of birth defects or genetic problems: Having had a child with a birth defect, or a family history of genetic problems
• Certain infections: Research has shown a somewhat higher risk for miscarriage if you have listeria, mumps, rubella, measles, cytomegalovirus, parvovirus, gonorrhea, HIV, and certain other infections

• Smoking, drinking, and drugs: Smoking a lot, drinking too much alcohol, and using drugs like cocaine and ecstasy during pregnancy can all increase your risk for miscarriage. And some studies show that drinking four or more cups of coffee a day and a higher can trigger a miscarriage
• Taking certain medications: Some medications have been linked to increased risk of miscarriage. It's important to ask your doctor about the safety of any medications you're taking even while you're trying to conceive
• Exposure to environmental toxins: Environmental factors that might increase your risk include lead; arsenic; some chemicals, like formaldehyde, benzene and ethylene oxide; and large doses of radiation or anesthetic gases
• Paternal factors: Little is known about how the father's condition may contribute to a couple's risk for miscarriage, though the risk increases with the father's age. Researchers are studying the extent to which sperm could be damaged by environmental toxins but still manage to fertilize an egg

Your risk of miscarriage also increases with each child you bear and if you get pregnant within three months after giving birth.

Overall Rating

Currently 1.5/5 Stars.