Most often, miscarriages happen due to chromosomal abnormalities or other unknown causes that make the pregnancy unable to continue. Research shows that 50% or more of miscarriages are caused by abnormal genetics. Around 30% have no known causes. Advancing age, obesity, being underweight, substance use, and chronic medical issues, such as diabetes, some thyroid disorders, and hypertension all increase the risk of miscarriage. While many of these risk factors are out of your control, there are other ways to reduce your chances of having a miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death. Learn more about lifestyle modifications and other steps you can take to increase your chance of a healthy pregnancy.
Precautions to Take During Early Pregnancy to Avoid Miscarriage
While many miscarriages can’t be prevented, some can. Taking the following steps will reduce your risk of an early pregnancy miscarriage:
Wash your handsQuit smokingTake precautions against food-borne illnessGet a flu shotMaintain a healthy weightEat a nutritious dietGet regular prenatal careTreat chronic health problemsHave safe sexDon’t drink alcohol
Before and after eatingAfter using the restroomWhen you’ve been around anyone who is sickAfter touching things that other people have handled, like money, doorknobs, pens, or shopping carts
Infants born to people who smoke have a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Quitting tobacco may not only save the life of your baby; it may make sure you’re around for many years of parenthood, too. People who get the flu while pregnant are at high risk—the H1N1 strain, in particular, is more likely to be fatal to pregnant people than the general population. A high fever during pregnancy is also associated with neural tube defects in the fetus. People with a COVID-19 infection during pregnancy may get sicker than others and are at higher risk to give birth prematurely. Take precautions to avoid contracting the virus, such as wearing masks in indoor spaces and getting vaccinated to reduce your risk of severe illness. Experts don’t fully understand all the reasons why obesity is linked with pregnancy loss. But studies all over the world are finding the same results. Women who are obese have a higher risk of losing their babies. A 2011 study from Stanford University found that women were 50% less likely to have a baby with anencephaly while eating such a diet. A healthy diet is also associated with weight control and optimal blood sugar control for people with diabetes. If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, consult your doctor about how to best control your condition, and be sure to follow all your doctor’s recommendations, including prescription or over-the-counter medications. If you are considering pregnancy, start taking prenatal vitamins before you conceive. The benefits of folic acid are especially crucial in the early stages of pregnancy, even before you may know you are pregnant. Adequate folic acid intake is essential to prevent neural tube defects in your baby, which can be fatal depending on severity. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for STIs. You’ll get screened when you start prenatal care, but you may want to get screened even before you start trying to conceive if you or your partner have more than one sexual partner. If you have multiple partners, you should use a condom, even while pregnant, and you should always use condoms with a new sexual partner until you have both been screened for STIs. Other countries have different recommendations for how much alcohol use is safe in pregnancy, but there is no known lowest safe amount, so it’s most prudent to abstain altogether during pregnancy. If you are a regular drinker or don’t think you can quit drinking, discuss this with a healthcare provider and aim to drink as little as possible.
