Preventing Miscarriage: Real Steps Toward a Healthier Pregnancy

Miscarriage is a painful and often misunderstood experience that affects roughly 10–20% of known pregnancies, typically in the first trimester. While the emotional toll is undeniable, recent advancements in reproductive medicine offer new hope. At Second Spring Women’s Clinic, we believe informed care and proactive strategies can make a meaningful difference.

Understanding Early Pregnancy Loss

Medically defined as the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks, a miscarriage can occur for a variety of reasons—many beyond a woman’s control. The most common cause? Chromosomal abnormalities that naturally disrupt fetal development, accounting for around half of all early losses.

But that doesn’t mean every case is unpreventable. As Dr. Alisha Kent, a board-certified OB/GYN affiliated with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), explains: "The goal isn’t always to prevent the miscarriage itself, but to reduce the likelihood of recurrence and optimize conditions for future pregnancy success."

What Can Cause a Miscarriage?

Aside from genetic issues, several factors can influence miscarriage risk:

• Chronic Health Conditions: Uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and thyroid imbalance can impact early fetal development.

• Uterine Abnormalities: Conditions like a septate uterus or fibroids may interfere with implantation or blood flow.

• Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, heavy alcohol use, obesity, and even exposure to certain toxins can elevate risk.

• Infections: Certain infections, such as listeria or toxoplasmosis, may pose serious threats during early pregnancy.

• Environmental Toxins: Exposure to lead, mercury, or radiation in the workplace or home can increase risk.

Identifying these risk factors early helps OB/GYNs personalize prevention strategies.

Can Miscarriage Be Prevented?

Although many miscarriages are spontaneous, some can be prevented or better managed with medical support and informed lifestyle decisions.

For High-Risk Pregnancies

Women with previous pregnancy loss or underlying conditions may benefit from:

• Progesterone Therapy: Particularly for women with a history of luteal phase deficiency.

• Blood Thinners: For those diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome or other clotting disorders.

• Cervical Cerclage: A surgical option for cervical insufficiency.

• Low-dose Aspirin: Often recommended for women with recurrent loss, especially when related to clotting issues or preeclampsia risk.

Genetic counseling and advanced fertility workups are also vital for women who experience recurrent miscarriage.

Practical Lifestyle Adjustments

Whether you're trying to conceive or newly pregnant, consider these evidence-backed adjustments:

• Balanced Nutrition: Ensure adequate folic acid, iron, and omega-3 intake. Prenatal vitamins should begin before conception.

• Moderate Exercise: Activities like walking, prenatal yoga, and swimming help regulate weight and boost well-being.

• Avoid Tobacco, Alcohol, and Excess Caffeine: These substances directly impact fetal development.

• Stress Management: While stress alone rarely causes miscarriage, high cortisol levels can indirectly affect hormone balance.

• Adequate Sleep: Maintaining good sleep hygiene can support hormonal regulation.

The Power of Early Prenatal Care

Timely medical support can make all the difference:

• Blood Panels & Hormone Checks: Can flag thyroid, progesterone, or HCG concerns early.

• Early Ultrasounds: Help confirm implantation site and fetal heartbeat.

• Custom Monitoring: High-risk patients may need more frequent check-ins.

Dr. Kent notes, "We often catch and treat complications before they escalate, which is why early care is critical—especially for women with prior losses."

Addressing Recurrent Miscarriages

Roughly 1% of women experience three or more miscarriages. If you fall into this category, a detailed diagnostic plan is essential:

• Genetic Screening: Of both partners and fetal tissue, when available.

• Imaging Studies: To assess uterine shape, fibroids, or scarring.

• Blood Tests: For clotting profiles, hormone levels, and autoimmune markers.

Solutions may range from medication to surgery to IVF with embryo screening. Equally important is emotional care. Licensed therapists specializing in pregnancy loss can help patients process grief and rebuild hope.

Hope Through Real Stories

Marissa, a 34-year-old patient at Second Spring, endured two losses before finally carrying a healthy baby to term. “It was the combination of progesterone therapy and feeling truly heard by my doctor that changed everything,” she shares. Stories like hers are reminders that loss doesn’t define the end of your journey.

Another patient, Lana, had three miscarriages tied to an undiagnosed clotting disorder. With the help of low-dose aspirin and heparin injections, she safely delivered her daughter in 2024. Her advice to others: "Advocate for yourself. If something feels off, speak up."

Preconception Planning: Starting Strong

Before conceiving, a preconception appointment can uncover silent risks. These sessions typically include:

• Routine Screenings for STIs, diabetes, and thyroid function

• Vaccine Review (especially rubella and varicella)

• Genetic Counseling when family history warrants it

• Fertility Optimization through lifestyle coaching and targeted labs

Discussing your reproductive goals openly helps providers tailor a plan that aligns with your health profile.

The Role of Research & Innovation

Medical science is closing gaps in miscarriage care:

• Non-Invasive Genetic Testing (NIPT) is being adapted for earlier, more accurate insights

• Advances in Immunology offer new protocols for patients with autoimmune-related losses

• AI-powered Ultrasound Analytics are helping detect anomalies at earlier stages

• Endometrial Receptivity Analysis (ERA) is improving embryo transfer success for IVF patients

Clinical trials continue to shed light on unexplored causes of miscarriage, offering future solutions to today’s most challenging cases.

When to Call Your Doctor

Reach out to your provider immediately if you notice:

• Heavy bleeding or clot passage

• Intense cramping

• Sudden loss of pregnancy symptoms

• Severe lower back pain

Even mild symptoms warrant evaluation, especially in the first trimester. Never hesitate to seek reassurance or ask for an extra checkup.

You're Not Alone: Support Is Available

Miscarriage leaves emotional scars that deserve compassion, not silence. Second Spring Women’s Clinic offers access to reproductive psychologists, community support groups, and grief counselors. Healing is physical and emotional—and you don’t have to walk it alone.

Frequently Asked Questions About Miscarriage

Can stress cause miscarriage? Not directly. However, chronic high stress may influence hormone balance. Managing stress through therapy, mindfulness, or exercise is encouraged.

Does exercise increase risk? Not typically. Light to moderate exercise is beneficial. Always consult your doctor about the safest options for your pregnancy.

Is miscarriage more common with age? Yes. After age 35, the risk begins to rise. At 40, up to 40% of pregnancies may end in miscarriage, mostly due to chromosomal anomalies.

Can certain foods cause miscarriage? Food-borne illnesses like listeriosis or toxoplasmosis can increase risk. Avoid unpasteurized cheeses, undercooked meats, and raw seafood.

Final Thoughts

While not every miscarriage can be prevented, many losses can be better understood, managed, and even avoided with the right care. With tailored medical guidance, emotional support, and a proactive mindset, many women go on to experience healthy pregnancies.

If you're concerned about miscarriage or seeking a fertility assessment, our compassionate team at Second Spring Women’s Clinic is here to help. We combine cutting-edge reproductive medicine with whole-person care to support your fertility journey, every step of the way.