Miscarriages are more common than most people think.In fact, up to 20% of known pregnancies result in miscarriage. It is just an estimated number though because most miscarriages happen so early in pregnancies that women do not realize they were pregnant in the first place. What may look like a heavy period may well be a miscarriage. An important thing is that the risk of miscarriage is higher in early pregnancy, usually until the 20th week. It means you are more likely to complete your pregnancy in a healthy way if you have already entered in your last trimester.
Miscarriage Risk by Week
As mentioned, your risk of having a miscarriage decreases as your pregnancy progresses, but there is still some risk involved.
1-4 Weeks: 22% to 75%
The risk of miscarriage is the highest during first 4 weeks of pregnancy. About 22% to 75% of women miscarry during the first month. You usually do not realize that fertilization has already occurred during the first two weeks of pregnancy. You know it only when you are undergoing infertility treatments. The risk is higher during this phase because the egg may fail to implant itself into the uterus. When it happens, your pregnancy ends in miscarriage.
5-7 Weeks: 5% to 10%
You will notice a considerable change in the risk after week 4. There is only 10% chance that you will have a miscarriage after week 5. The risk is reduced mainly because the implantation is already established at this point, and your baby starts developing by week 6-7. By week 7, there is only 5% chance that your pregnancy will end in a miscarriage. You will also experience certain pregnancy symptoms by this time, which may include nausea, fatigue, sore breasts, and frequent urination.
8-12 Weeks: 3%
It is possible to hear your baby's heartbeat by 8th week, and this reduces the risk of miscarriage. If you have reached this far in your pregnancy, there is about 98% chance that you will complete your pregnancy in a healthy way. Still, it is important to take special care and follow your doctor's advice to support a healthy pregnancy. Yes, the risk of miscarrying is very low, but is still a possibility if you do not pay attention to your diet, medications, and activity level.
After the 2nd Trimester: 1% to 3%
Miscarriage risk by week shows that you are less likely to have a miscarriage when you are in your second trimester. Still, you may end up having a miscarriage if you develop uterine abnormalities at this stage. Rupture of membranes and preterm labor are also possible but quite rare. After 20th week, you are less likely to have a miscarriage but you can still experience stillbirth. There is less than 1% risk when you enter your 3rd trimester. You may lose your pregnancy at this point due to developmental or chromosomal problems, premature birth, or cord accidents.
Women with High Risk of Miscarriage
While it is important to have information about miscarriage risk by week, there may be a degree of variation depending on different factors. Here are some factors that put you at a greater risk of having a miscarriage.
1. Previous Miscarriage
If you have had a miscarriage in the past, you are at a higher risk of losing your pregnancy.
|
Situation |
Risk |
|
If you have miscarried once in your first pregnancy |
13% chance of experiencing it again |
|
A miscarriage after having one or more live births |
10% chance of having it again |
|
Two pregnancies and two miscarriages |
40% chance of having it again – it is advisable of asking your doctor for basic tests. |
|
One or more live births among multiple miscarriages |
13% chance for women under 35 years old |
|
Three miscarriages in three pregnancies |
60% chance of having it again – you should require tests to identify the underlying cause |
|
More than four miscarriages with no live births |
Stop trying and talk to a fertility specialist to identify the underlying causes of miscarriage. |
|
Over 35 years of age |
No need to worry about miscarriage if this is your first pregnancy or you already have healthy children. It is true though that the quality of eggs deteriorates after this age. |
2. Other Conditions
In addition to miscarriage risk by week, you also need to know that some specific conditions put you at a greater risk of having a miscarriage. You are more likely to have a miscarriage if you have bodily trauma, you use drugs,or drink alcohol. Other factors such as radiation exposure, smoking, and caffeine consumption will increase your risk of having a miscarriage.
Can I Prevent Miscarriage?
Chromosomal abnormalities are the most common causes of miscarriages. To avoid it, you need to improve your overall health. For this, you should exercise regularly, manage stress, eat healthy, avoid smoking, and maintain healthy body weight. You should also take folic acid to maintain healthy pregnancy.
Once you know you have conceived, you need to take certain steps to prevent a miscarriage. For instance:
- Avoid contacting sports and keep your abdomen safe
- Avoid drinking alcohol
- Quit smoking and do not be around secondhand smoke
- Talk to your doctor before taking OTC medications
- Avoid exposure to x-rays, radiation, and infectious disease