It's more common than many realize: around 1 in 8 known pregnancies end in miscarriage.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Common Miscarriage Rate: Approximately 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, most often in the first trimester (before 13 weeks).
- Early Miscarriages: Many miscarriages occur so early in pregnancy that a woman might not even realize she was pregnant. These are often mistaken for a late or heavy period. Therefore, the actual rate of miscarriage could be higher than reported.
- Recurrent Miscarriage: Losing three or more pregnancies in a row is considered recurrent miscarriage and is much less common, affecting about 1 in 100 women. This often warrants further investigation to identify potential underlying causes.
- Factors Influencing Miscarriage Risk: Several factors can increase the risk of miscarriage, including:
- Maternal Age: The risk increases with age.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, thyroid problems, and autoimmune disorders can increase the risk.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use can also contribute.
- Chromosomal Abnormalities: These are the most common cause of miscarriage, particularly in the first trimester.
In summary, while miscarriage is a relatively common occurrence, especially early in pregnancy, recurrent miscarriage is less frequent and may require medical evaluation.
