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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    How can I reduce the risk of having a miscarriage?

    Related Topics
    Miscarriage Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Trying To Conceive
    I'm 8 weeks pregnant and know that i am in the danger zone to miscarry as it has happened to me previously. Is there anything I can do to prevent this happening again?
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    Small Miracles Foundation

    The Small Miracles Foundation is a not for profit organisation which is established for the health and well being of families and to provide free … View Profile

    Miscarriage is the loss of a baby prior to the 20th week of pregnancy.

    Miscarriage is quite common and one in four pregnancies result in a loss. For many women, finding the cause for their miscarriage can be difficult. Miscarriage can be due to problems with the developing pregnancy. But some women may be told that no medical cause for their miscarriage could be found.

    Unfortunately, some miscarriages cannot be avoided. But there are some things that you can do that may help to reduce your chance of having a miscarriage.

    Time to make a change – Focus on a healthy lifestyle…

    Quit Smoking
    Smoking increases the risk of all sorts of problems inpregnancy. If you can possibly cut back or avoid cigarettes - that is the best option. Many women who do continue to smoke during pregnancy are lucky if they don't run into problems. To give you and your baby the best chance, you should stop smoking and avoid passive smoking.

    Don’t drink Alcohol
    Alcohol should be avoided in pregnancy. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy, even in small amounts, has been linked with abnormalities in babies.

    Don’t take Drugs
    Don’t take drugs, unless prescribed by your doctor. Many drugs, both legal and illegal, may increase the risk of miscarriage. These include caffeine in large amounts, amphetamines, heroin and a variety of over-the-counter and herbal preparations.

    Good Nutrition
    Good nutrition is vital to health of mother and baby. It is important to eat a well balanced diet, high in fruit and vegetables, wholegrains and cereals. Limit foods high in fat, sugar or salt. Folic acid is important - supplements of folic acid are recommended before and during pregnancy. See your doctor or midwife for the appropriate dose for you. Not getting enough folic acid may lead to problems with the development of a baby’s nervous system and result in miscarriage.
     
    Avoid Certain Foods
    Listeria and salmonella are two types of bacteria found in contaminated foods that are known to cause miscarriage. Listeria can be found in raw seafood, soft cheeses (such as camembert or brie), unpasteurised foods, soft-serve ice-cream, and precooked foods such as salami or patè. Salmonella can occur in raw eggs and undercooked meats and poultry. Ensure foods are cooked thoroughly, and avoid those that could be contaminated by listeria or salmonella.
     
     
     
     
    What else can I do to have a healthy pregnancy and baby?

    Prior to pregnancy

    • Exercise regularly but don’t overdo it. 30 minutes of light to moderate level exercise is recommended. Activities such as walking, swimming, or pregnancy exercise classes are ideal.
    • Aim to have your weight within the healthy range. See you doctor about what is healthy for you.
    • Minimise stress. Talk to friends, family or a professional about resolving difficult issues.
    • See your doctor about existing medical conditions.
    • Make sure your immunizations are up-to-date.
     
    During pregnancy
    • Limit caffeine intake. This includes coffee and cola drinks.
    • Seek advice from your doctor or midwife before taking any over-the-counter or herbal preparations.
    • Exercise regularly but avoid extreme activity such as more than 1 hour of high level exercise.
    • Take time out to relax and reduce stress. Seek advice to resolve issues causing increased stress levels.
    • Avoid standing for long periods.
    • Avoid working long hours.
    • Ensure good dental hygiene and see your dentist during your pregnancy.
    • See your doctor early if unwell or you notice an unusual or odorous vaginal discharge.
    • Arrange to see your doctor or midwife early.

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    Maria Nguyen

    HealthShare Member

    Some miscarriages cannot be avoided, but if you taje folic acid, maintain healthy diet and healthy lifestyle you should be fine. Make sure not to dring alcohol, smoke or drink coffee, as coffee can trigger miscarriage as well.

    I wish you an easy pregnancy and a healthy baby!

    "Help your loved ones
    get quality medical care by raising
    funds in 30 days with http://peoplepledge.com.au."

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    Dr Gary Sykes

    Obstetrician

    Dr Gary Sykes is a graduate Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (M.B, B.S.) from Sydney University. He commenced his initial postgraduate training at … View Profile

    Great advice above.

    I can understand your increased nervousness, having miscarried before.

    The causes of miscarriage are multiple. Check out my website at http://www.obstetricexcellence.com.au/questions-and-answers/miscarriage

    In my experience the commonest cause for miscarriage is fault genetic material and the second commonest is inadequate progesterone production by the ovaries in early pregnancy. The first tends to be a ‘one off' and the second can be checked and managed with progesterone pessaries as relevant.

    I suggest you see a compassionate, good obstetrician ASAP who can assess the current pregnancy, check your baby’s wellbeing and advise you of anything extra that should be done that will help you

    Hope all goes well!

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