Abortion glossary :: Spontaneous abortion
A spontaneous abortion (a.k.a., miscarriage), which is a common experience that occurs in approximately 20% of known pregnancies, is the unexpected termination of a pregnancy (usually before the 21st week of gestation).
Causes, which are varied, are not always preventable or known, and include the following:
- allergies to certain plants and some foods that cause serious reactions
- chromosomal abnormalities
- consumption of too much alcohol, cigarettes, or street drugs
- dysfunctional placenta
- environment (e.g., unhealthy temperatures, excessive noise, dirty surroundings, unhealthy air, etc.)
- general health conditions
- genetic dispositions
- hormonal imbalances or other issues pertaining to hormones
- cat dander can trigger some hormonal reactions (rare)
- perfumes and colognes can trigger some hormonal reactions
- immune system reaction to the pregnancy
- incompatibility between sperm and egg
- inherited genetic conditions
- onset of diabetes (applies to both temporary and permanent types)
- pollution (e.g., from motor-vehicles, manufacturing, mining, etc.)
- prescription medication that is designed to trigger a spontaneous abortion
- reactions to certain foods and drinks
- stress (e.g., abusive spouse, extreme stress at work, financial concerns, etc.)
- unexpected side-effects of prescription medication (rare, and practically non-existent with proper physician oversight)
- vaginal bleeding, cramping
- vaginal discharge of embryonic tissue
- virus infections (which tend to be more severe for non-vaccinated people)
Preventive measures (consult with your family physician on all of these):
- Dietary practices with a particular focus on foods that are beneficial to pregnant people (consulting blood test results improves accuracy)
- Engage in enjoyable activities regularly on your own that contribute to a greater peace-of-mind (e.g., reading, creative activities, hobbies, etc.)
- Exercise, the appropriateness of which varies depending on the stage of your pregnancy
- Getting enough liquids, keeping in mind that most people who are not already pregnant don't drink enough water on a daily basis
- Regular blood tests (normally requisitioned by your family physician) to ensure that you are operating at safe/appropriate levels of health (which can vary from one person to the next, so your family physician's advice will typically be tailored to your specific needs)
- Regular consultations with your family physician (most important), doulas, midwives, and other professionals with the relevant expertise
- Report all major changes to your family physician, even if only by phone or eMail so they can add information to your file (this helps them be more effective in helping you to have a better pregnancy)
- Socialize with family and friends, especially those who are supportive, at least a few times each week
Important note
It is important to consult with your family physician as soon as possible upon miscarrying, in case medical treatment and/or prescription medication is needed to prevent something minor developing into a major problem, which helps to ensure the best possible outcome. The sooner you consult with your physician, the better your outcome is likely to be.
Debating strategy
When an interlocutor attempts to minimize the seriousness of miscarriages, they're revealing that they are uninformed about the complicated nature of pregnancy, so directing them to this web page (which lists many of the causes) may be helpful in improving the overall quality of the interaction.
See also