Miscarriage is defined as the termination of pregnancy before 24 weeks' gestation. During this time, the fetus or the embryo weighs 500 grams or less. Miscarriage is of different types. Threatened miscarriage is one of them and a symptom of this is bleeding. There is little or no pain and the cervical os is closed. Inevitable miscarriage is another form of miscarriage and the main symptom is heavy bleeding with clots and pain. The cervical os is open and the excessive bleeding may lead to collapse. Incomplete miscarriage may also take place in which case the conception sac or placenta remains. Missed miscarriage means the fetus is dead but is retained.
Smoking, alcohol and caffeine consumption are considered to be some of the main reasons for miscarriage. Drinking alcohol has been linked with greater incidences of miscarriage. However, it is quite unlikely that few drinks before you discovered your pregnancy may lead to miscarriage. On the other hand, a study found that drinking more alcohol during the first trimester is positively related with miscarriage.
If you play it safe and start avoiding alcohol when you discover the pregnancy, you will definitely avoid this risk.
A Danish study which included 25,000 singleton pregnancies between 1989 and 1996 had come up with certain new facts about miscarriage. After analyzing various facts on each pregnancy, which included the mother's admission of alcohol consumption, the conclusion was that five drinks a week increased the risk of miscarriage. However, the risks dropped down to normal at the time of the second and third trimester. During this time the women continued to drink the same amount of alcohol.
An important fact is that the researchers believe that alcohol consumption during pregnancy is largely underreported. There have been cases where many women experienced early miscarriages as a result of drinking, but they did not know that they were pregnant. The only way of reducing the chances of miscarriage is to reduce alcohol consumption or stop taking alcohol. Apart from this, smoking should also be reduced.
It should also be kept in mind that a one time miscarriage also increases the risk of miscarriage for the next time. It also increases the risk of pre-term delivery. However, proper care should be taken after the miscarriage. Regular check ups are a must. Prescribed antibiotics should also be taken as they help in fighting infections.
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