Myths about miscarriages
Miscarriages are perhaps one of the most heartbreaking complications of pregnancy. In fact, I don’t think I can even think of something more heartbreaking than a miscarriage, except a stillborn, but since they are both a loss of a baby, to me they are almost the same thing. With how heartbreaking a miscarriage is it should come as no surprise that for the first trimester women are worried about the possibility. However, all of this worry and speculation has caused a lot of rumors to float around regarding this subject.
Perhaps one of the biggest myths about miscarriages is how they are preventable. According to healthcare professionals, there are not very many things that a woman can do to cause a miscarriage. Medical research shows that about 60% of all miscarriages in the first trimester are due to genetics, usually a chromosomal abnormality. Now that we have put some of your fears to rest here is a look at some more myths about miscarriages.
Myth 1:
Many people are under the impression that if you have had one miscarriage you are more likely to have a second one, but that just isn’t true. In fact, according to reproductive specialists the risk of a having a miscarriage your second time around is no higher than your first pregnancy. However, if you have had two miscarriages your risk does increase by about 20%, while after your third miscarriage your risk increases by 30%, while after your fourth the risk goes up to 40%. Nevertheless, what you need to focus on is that even after your fourth pregnancy loss you still have a 60% chance of carrying that baby to term!
Myth 2:
Light spotting or even cramping means that you are going to have a miscarriage. While it makes sense that these symptoms can cause worry, they are actually quite normal during the first trimester. In fact bleeding occurs in 40% of pregnancies during the first trimester. Cramping is often related to your uterus expanding to allow room for the baby to grow. However, you still need t mention these symptoms to your doctor, so they can be on the lookout for anything that might be worrisome, such as a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.
Myth 3:
Many people are under the impression that getting sick during the first trimester can cause a miscarriage. However, this is not really true, but you will want to seek help if you have a temperature of over 102 degrees Fahrenheit. The reason for this is that an internal body temperature that is that high can actually kill the fetus during the first eight weeks of your pregnancy. Most fevers are the result of a bacterial infection, so calling your doctor as soon as possible is important so the infection can be treated. Bringing your fever down with acetaminophen is also recommended.
Myth 4:
Some people are under the impression that if you had an abortion you are more likely to miscarry. Regardless of the type of abortion you had there is no information linking that to an increase in miscarriage. Although new information available suggests that having three or more terminations can compromise your cervix. There is also an increased risk of miscarriage if you get pregnant within three months of terminating a pregnancy.
Myth 5:
Some women are under the impression that exercising during their pregnancy increases their chance of having a miscarriage, but again this is not true. In fact, many doctors suggest you moderately exercise during your pregnancy as it helps with unwanted weight gain, as well as makes labor a bit easier. A study also suggests that women who exercise throughout pregnancy have a lower risk of miscarriage by about 40%.
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