Showing posts with label ovary syndrome. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ovary syndrome. Show all posts

Causes of miscarriage


 


There are many reasons why a miscarriage may happen, although the cause is often not identified.


If a miscarriage happens during the first trimester of pregnancy (the first three months), it is usually due to problems with the unborn baby (foetus). About three in every four miscarriages happen during this period.


If a miscarriage happens during the second trimester of pregnancy (between weeks 14 and 26), it may be the result of an underlying health condition in the mother.


These late miscarriages may be caused by an infection around the baby which leads to the bag of waters breaking before any pain or bleeding, In rare cases, they can be caused by the neck of the womb opening too soon.


 


First trimester miscarriages


Most first trimester miscarriages are caused by problems with the chromosomes of the foetus.


 


Chromosome problems


Chromosomes are blocks of DNA. They contain a detailed set of instructions that control a wide range of factors, from how the cells of the body develop to what colour eyes a baby will have.


Sometimes, something can go wrong at the point of conception and the foetus receives too many or not enough chromosomes. The reasons for this are often unclear, but it means that the foetus will not be able to develop normally, resulting in a miscarriage.


It is estimated that up to two thirds of early miscarriages are associated with chromosome abnormalities.


 


Placental problems


The placenta is the organ that links the mother’s blood supply to her baby’s. If there is a problem with the development of the placenta, it can also lead to a miscarriage.


 


Things that increase your risk


An early miscarriage may happen by chance. However, there are several things known to increase your risk of problems happening.


The age of the mother has an influence:


  • in women under 30, 1 in 10 pregnancies will end in miscarriage

  • in women aged 35-39, up to 2 in 10 pregnancies will end in miscarriage

  • in women over 45, more than half of all pregnancies will end in miscarriage

Other risk factors include:


  • obesity

  • smoking during pregnancy

  • drug misuse during pregnancy

  • drinking more than 200mg of caffeine a day (one mug of tea contains around 75mg of caffeine, and one mug of instant coffee contains around 100mg of caffeine)

  • drinking more than two units of alcohol a week: one unit is half a pint of bitter or ordinary strength lager, a small glass of wine or a 25ml measure of spirits

Second trimester miscarriages


 


Long-term health conditions


Several long-term (chronic) health conditions can increase your risk of having a miscarriage in the second trimester. These are:


Infections


The following infections may also increase your risk:


Medicines


Medicines increasing your risk include:


  • misoprostol (used for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis)

  • retinoids (used for eczema and acne)

  • methotrexate (used for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis)

  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (used for pain and inflammation)

To be sure that a medicine is safe in pregnancy, always check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before taking it.


Read more about medicines during pregnancy.


 


Womb structure


Problems and abnormalities with your womb can also lead to second trimester miscarriages. Possible problems include:


  • non-cancerous growths in the womb called fibroids

  • an abnormally shaped womb

Weakened cervix


In some cases, the muscles of the cervix (neck of the womb) are weaker than usual. This is known as a weakened cervix or cervical incompetence. A weakened cervix may be due to a previous injury to this area usually following a surgical procedure.


The muscle weakness can cause the cervix to open too early during pregnancy leading to a miscarriage.


 


Polycystic ovary syndrome


Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition where the ovaries are larger than normal. It can lead to hormonal imbalances inside the womb.


Polycystic ovary syndrome is known to be a leading cause of infertility. There is some evidence to suggest it may also be linked to an increased risk of miscarriages in fertile women. However, the exact role polycystic ovary syndrome plays in miscarriages is unclear.


 


Misconceptions about miscarriage


An increased risk of miscarriage is not linked to:


  • a mother’s emotional state during pregnancy, such as being stressed or depressed

  • having a shock or fright during pregnancy

  • exercise during pregnancy (but discuss with your GP or midwife what type of exercise is suitable for you during pregnancy)

  • lifting or straining during pregnancy

  • working during pregnancy

  • having sex during pregnancy



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Causes of miscarriage


 


There are many reasons why a miscarriage may happen, although the cause is often not identified.


If a miscarriage happens during the first trimester of pregnancy (the first three months), it is usually due to problems with the unborn baby (foetus). About three in every four miscarriages happen during this period.


If a miscarriage happens during the second trimester of pregnancy (between weeks 14 and 26), it may be the result of an underlying health condition in the mother.


These late miscarriages may be caused by an infection around the baby which leads to the bag of waters breaking before any pain or bleeding, In rare cases, they can be caused by the neck of the womb opening too soon.


 


First trimester miscarriages


Most first trimester miscarriages are caused by problems with the chromosomes of the foetus.


 


Chromosome problems


Chromosomes are blocks of DNA. They contain a detailed set of instructions that control a wide range of factors, from how the cells of the body develop to what colour eyes a baby will have.


Sometimes, something can go wrong at the point of conception and the foetus receives too many or not enough chromosomes. The reasons for this are often unclear, but it means that the foetus will not be able to develop normally, resulting in a miscarriage.


It is estimated that up to two thirds of early miscarriages are associated with chromosome abnormalities.


 


Placental problems


The placenta is the organ that links the mother’s blood supply to her baby’s. If there is a problem with the development of the placenta, it can also lead to a miscarriage.


 


Things that increase your risk


An early miscarriage may happen by chance. However, there are several things known to increase your risk of problems happening.


The age of the mother has an influence:


  • in women under 30, 1 in 10 pregnancies will end in miscarriage

  • in women aged 35-39, up to 2 in 10 pregnancies will end in miscarriage

  • in women over 45, more than half of all pregnancies will end in miscarriage

Other risk factors include:


  • obesity

  • smoking during pregnancy

  • drug misuse during pregnancy

  • drinking more than 200mg of caffeine a day (one mug of tea contains around 75mg of caffeine, and one mug of instant coffee contains around 100mg of caffeine)

  • drinking more than two units of alcohol a week: one unit is half a pint of bitter or ordinary strength lager, a small glass of wine or a 25ml measure of spirits

Second trimester miscarriages


 


Long-term health conditions


Several long-term (chronic) health conditions can increase your risk of having a miscarriage in the second trimester. These are:


Infections


The following infections may also increase your risk:


Medicines


Medicines increasing your risk include:


  • misoprostol (used for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis)

  • retinoids (used for eczema and acne)

  • methotrexate (used for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis)

  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (used for pain and inflammation)

To be sure that a medicine is safe in pregnancy, always check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before taking it.


Read more about medicines during pregnancy.


 


Womb structure


Problems and abnormalities with your womb can also lead to second trimester miscarriages. Possible problems include:


  • non-cancerous growths in the womb called fibroids

  • an abnormally shaped womb

Weakened cervix


In some cases, the muscles of the cervix (neck of the womb) are weaker than usual. This is known as a weakened cervix or cervical incompetence. A weakened cervix may be due to a previous injury to this area usually following a surgical procedure.


The muscle weakness can cause the cervix to open too early during pregnancy leading to a miscarriage.


 


Polycystic ovary syndrome


Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition where the ovaries are larger than normal. It can lead to hormonal imbalances inside the womb.


Polycystic ovary syndrome is known to be a leading cause of infertility. There is some evidence to suggest it may also be linked to an increased risk of miscarriages in fertile women. However, the exact role polycystic ovary syndrome plays in miscarriages is unclear.


 


Misconceptions about miscarriage


An increased risk of miscarriage is not linked to:


  • a mother’s emotional state during pregnancy, such as being stressed or depressed

  • having a shock or fright during pregnancy

  • exercise during pregnancy (but discuss with your GP or midwife what type of exercise is suitable for you during pregnancy)

  • lifting or straining during pregnancy

  • working during pregnancy

  • having sex during pregnancy



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Are Your Weird Periods a Sign of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Though it may not feel like it when you’re laid out on the sofa with a hot water bottle strapped to your lower back, your menstrual cycle plays an important part in your wellbeing. A healthy, normal cycle controls your fertility and has many other functions, but certain health concerns can get in the way of your menstrual wellness. One such concern is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).


 


If you break down the word “polycystic”, it simply means many cysts. PCOS, therefore, means that you have by clusters of pearl-size cysts in your ovaries. Due to a hormonal imbalance, these fluid-filled cysts contain eggs that have not been releases. Although no one knows exactly why PCOS occurs, researchers believe that decreased insulin sensitivity may play a role. If this is the case, your body requires more insulin than normal to ensure your cells absorb enough sugar, which means you end up with higher levels of insulin in you blood. This causes your ovaries to produce male hormones, and this triggers or worsens your symptoms of PCOS. If you notice areas of your skin are darker, this could be a sign of high insulin levels.


 


So how do you know if you have PCOS?


 


1. Your sister has PCOS. This means there’s a 50% chance that you will be likewise affected.


 


2. You have irregular menstrual periods; it’s either heavy, absent, or unpredictable.


 


3. You’re infertile. You gave up birth control measures a year ago and still haven’t conceived.


 


4. You’re obese.


 


5. You have abnormal hair growth on your face, chest, abdomen, or upper thighs.


 


6. You have severe acne that does not respond to usual treatments.


 


7. You have patches of thick, velvety, dark skin.


 


If you think you might have PCOS, you should see a specialist to have a physical exam, a review of your medical history, a hormone test, a glucose test and an ultrasound of your ovaries. There are many treatments for PCOS, but the one you will receive will depend on your individual symptoms, pre-existing health problems and whether or not you wish to become pregnant. Treatments include female hormone preparations, weight loss, diabetes medications, ovulation-induction, anti-male hormone medications and proper nutrition and exercise.

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