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Minimizing the Risk
of Miscarriage
Most miscarriages
are caused by chromosomal (genetic) abnormalities and other
physical factors that are beyond your control. There are,
however, steps you can take to reduce the risk of losing a
pregnancy.
Don't smoke. Smoking increases the risk of losing a
genetically normal baby. One study showed that women who
smoked more than 14 cigarettes a day were about twice as
likely to miscarry, regardless of their age or use of
alcoholic beverages. The risk of losing a pregnancy increases
with the number of cigarettes a woman smokes. On the other
hand, giving up smoking at any time during the pregnancy will
benefit the baby. Since passive smoke is also dangerous, it's
wisest if no one in your household smokes during the
pregnancy.
Don't drink alcoholic beverages or much caffeine.
Having an alcoholic drink twice weekly doubled the risk of
losing normal babies in one study; drinking alcohol every day
tripled the risk of such miscarriages. Similarly, consuming
large amounts of caffeine—more than 4 cups of coffee per
day (or the equivalent in other substances that contain
caffeine) slightly increases the chance of miscarriage. The
risk appears to rise with the amount of caffeine consumed;
and doctors generally recommend limiting intake to one cup of
coffee per day.
Avoid radiation and poisons. Exposure to high levels
of radiation or toxic substances increases the risk of
miscarriage. The dangers of various levels of radiation are
discussed in the chapter on “Strategies for a Healthy
Pregnancy.” Arsenic, lead, formaldehyde, benzene, and
ethylene oxide can cause miscarriage. Make sure you are not
exposed to these substances at work or anywhere else while
pregnant or trying to conceive.
Prevent trauma to the abdomen. Don't participate in
sports such a skiing that might involve serious falls. Stab
wounds or injuries from the steering wheel or seat belt in a
car, especially during the second trimester, sometimes cause
miscarriage. See the nearby box for the right way to wear a
seat belt when you are visibly pregnant.
Check out all medications with your doctor. Certain
prescription and overthecounter drugs are
associated with fetal abnormalities and miscarriages. Consult
your doctor before taking any medication when you are
pregnant or trying to conceive. Some drugs can damage the
fetus and cause miscarriage before you even know you are
pregnant.
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