Miscarriage

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Miscarriage – Causes and signs

Miscarriage is normally the one thing that all pregnant women worry about during early pregnancy. It’s never easy to think about but it is important to know what signs to look out for.

What causes a miscarriage is not easily recognized as sometimes this takes place even before the woman realizes that she is pregnant.

However, once the woman has miscarried and the cause becomes apparent, then at least proper care can be taken during further pregnancies to prevent a reoccurrence. In some cases, the exact reason for miscarriage is never known, but there are some common reasons that can cause them. Some of these are:

·         The mother being under extreme stress

·         If the mother to be consumes too much alcohol or drugs

·         The age of the mother can be a factor

·         An abnormality of the uterine structure

·         Diseases that are sexually transmitted

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Miscarriages can happen very easily and this could be because of genetic abnormalities in the foetus or the embryo as it would be referred to in this early stage of pregnancy. The mother to be need not have done anything to bring this on, nor could anything be done to save the pregnancy at this early stage.

More than 50% of early miscarriages are due to chromosomal abnormalities or genetic reasons. However, women do not have a problem to have a normal pregnancy even after a miscarriage or two, but if there is a third miscarriage then she is termed as having recurrent miscarriages and the doctor would have to find out the reason for this and find a solution for the problem.

Though trauma and stress are not a usual cause for miscarriages in the early stage of pregnancy, it could be a possibility. Consumption of drugs and alcohol by the mother to be could bring on a miscarriage; and if the age of the mother to be is more than 35 the risk of having a miscarriage is increased.

Medical attention prior to conceiving is recommended to ensure that the woman is in perfect condition to go through a full term pregnancy it is always advisable to have a full medical check prior to conceiving the first born child. 

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Although some women have no symptoms of a miscarriage at all, some signs to look out for include:

·         Pain or a dull ache in the abdomen

·         Strong abdominal cramps

·         Spotting

·         Very heavy bleeding

·         Brown vaginal discharge

Bleeding or spotting (during the first 12 weeks especially) does not necessarily mean that you have miscarried or that you will. If at any time during your pregnancy you have bleeding or spotting, always talk to your doctor or midwife about it.

FIRST DAY OF YOUR LAST PERIOD

The First Trimester

This trimester is classed as the first day of your last period, through to the end of week 12. More often than not, you’ll already be in week 4 -6, halfway through your first trimester before you actually find out you are pregnant! You also may not show any symptoms until around the 5^th or 6^th week.

The first trimester is when your baby will grow at the fastest rate. Here are some key developments your baby will go through in the first 12 weeks.

   

Week 5 – Your baby will be around 3 – 5mm in size, about the size of an apple pip. Even at this small size, this is when the brain, spine and nervous system begin development. The embryo’s needs are still being met by the foetuses sac. 

Week 6 – Your baby will be around the size of a pea. The heart is developing quickly, growing from a tiny tube into the complex chambers which will pump the blood through its body. Even at this early stage, a heartbeat can sometimes be detected on an ultrasound. 

Week 7 – Your baby’s limbs will start to develop. Its eyes are now visible on an ultrasound and the tiny jaw has now formed. 

Week 8 – Your baby is now about 2cm long. Its heart is beating at around 160 beats per minute. Your baby will now have tiny fingers and toes and will have skin. It’s around this time that your baby will start moving around, but you won’t be able to feel this sensation until a little later on in your pregnancy. 
               
               
           
       

Week 9 – Your baby’s facial features are becoming more distinctive. Its fingers and toes are growing longer. It’s in this week that the baby’s digestive system and muscular diaphragm are developing, which allows your baby to breathe
.

Week 10 – The placenta is still developing at this point, but it is now able to provide your baby with its needs. The skull is starting to change from cartilage to bone, but is still soft and flexible enough to allow your baby’s brain to grow. Your baby now starts to look like a baby. 

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Week 11 – Your baby’s fingers and toes are now fully developed and the webbing between the digits has gone. Your baby will now be able to kick and stretch, the neck has lengthened and it will be able to move freely within the amniotic sac. Your baby’s ears are now in position and its facial features can now be seen on an ultrasound scan.

Week 12 – The final week of your first trimester. At 12 weeks you usually have your first ultrasound scan. You baby is now around 6cm in length. Your baby’s heart is beating twice as fast as your own to pump the blood around its body. Its arms and legs are fully lengthened and fully formed, allowing it to bend its wrists and elbows. Your baby will be moving around a lot now!  Although sex is determined at conception, it is in this week that the baby’s sex organs start to develop. It is still too early to determine sex on an ultrasound though.

Your baby is growing fast, and the changes in your hormones will start to cause changes to your body. Because your baby is growing at such a fast rate, it is normally in the first trimester when you will feel most tired, run down and may feel faint. 

One of the most important points to remember at this stage is that you get enough rest. Try to get sound sleep and get balanced pregnancy diet.

The Importance of Folic Acid

What is Folic Acid?

Folic acid (folate) is a B vitamin that is needed to create new cells in the body. The body does not store very much folic acid and you need a good supply of it in order to stay healthy. Pregnant women in particular need a good supply of folic acid, which is used by the developing baby. The very early stages of pregnancy are crucial in the need for folic acid. This is why folic acid supplements are recommended for women planning a pregnancy.

Some food that’s that contain folic acid include green leafy vegetables such as spinach, sprouts, broccoli, green beans, and potatoes.  Sunflower seeds and egg yolks are high in folic acid. Flour, pasta and brown rice also contain folic acid, as do some breads and breakfast cereals.  

Even if you are healthy and fit and have a good diet, you should still take folic acid supplements for the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy.

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 Why do you need Folic Acid?

Everyone needs folic acid as it helps to produce health red blood cells and is especially important for cell division and production. Taking folic acid helps the brain development of your baby and can help prevent birth defects such as Spina Bifida and cleft palate. Not having enough folic acid in your body can also cause anemia. 

The first 12 weeks of pregnancy is when the baby’s brain and nerve system are developing rapidly, which is why taking folic acid during this time is so important.

How much Folic Acid do you need?

The recommended daily dose of Folic Acid ranges from a 400 microgram tablet to an 800 microgram tablet per day. Usually a 400 microgram tablet is adequate but there are some women who may need the higher dosage. Higher dosages of folic acid are needed by women who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more or are taking medication for certain conditions such as:

·         Epilepsy

·         Diabetes

·         Arthritis

·         Asthma

·         Celiac disease

·         Sickle cell disease

·         Psoriasis

If you are taking medication for any condition, speak to your doctor about how much folic acid you need. You may need to take a higher dosage as some medicines can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb folic acid. 

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