Parental Factors Negatively Impacting Pregnancy

• transfer of abnormal chromosomes

  Sometimes, one parent may transfer a particular type of chromosome abnormality to the developing child. This transfer occurs in a small percentage of couples but could be responsible for repeated pregnancy loss.

• abnormal anatomy of the uterus

  There may also be problems related to the shape and internal structure of the mother's uterus preventing her pregnancy from developing in a normal fashion.

• hormone abnormalities, auto-immune and blood coagulation disorders.

Unknown Causes of Pregnancy Loss

• This area is still under research. Many times the cause of a miscarriage cannot be identified. Couples need to seek the services of a compassionate infertility specialist when experiencing repeated pregnancy losses.

SECOND OR THIRD TRIMESTER
Many times spontaneous abortions that occur during the second trimester are due to an incompetent cervix. This is the premature and gradual opening of the cervix. It usually occurs without symptoms of pain or cramping.

Factors leading to third trimester pregnancy loss involve premature labor. They may include injury, pregnancy-related hormone abnormalities, maternal infections, and previous uterine scarring.

Some studies have shown that maternal age and race have an impact on the occurrence of pre-term labor that leads to pre-term delivery. Preterm labor refers to the condition where a woman's pregnancy is less than 37 weeks, and she experiences persistent and regular uterine contractions along with cervical changes. These contractions may not be painful in nature.

What are some Symptoms of "Spontaneous Abortion?" During the first half of pregnancy, symptoms of miscarriage can include:

• Bloody vaginal discharge in small amounts ranging from bright red to brownish in color
• Low back pain
• Uterine cramping

A woman should call her prenatal care physician should she experience any of the above symptoms during pregnancy.