Things to do to avoid the Risk of Losing Pregnancy

Approximately 15% of pregnant women experience miscarriage, this is an underestimation since many losses are unrecognized. Most early pregnancy losses are caused by random chromosomal abnormalities with rates as high as 70% abnormal genetics prior to 20 weeks. Advancing age, obesity and chronic medical issues such as diabetes, some thyroid disorders and hypertension also increase the risk of miscarriage while these are out of your control, there are other ways to reduce your chances of having a miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death. Taking these simple steps can help control your risks and increase your chance of a healthy pregnancy. 

These are the things to do to avoid the risk of losing pregnancy. They are;

1.Quit Smoking:Smoking is a major health risk. It increases your risk of many kinds of cancer, lung disease, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Women who smoke are more likely to experience infertility or have a miscarriage, stillborn baby, preterm delivery or low birth weight infant.

Infant born to women who smoke have a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Quitting tobacco may not only save the life of your baby, it may make sure you’re around for years of parenthood. 

2.Lose Weight Before Conceiving:Like smoking, obesity has been linked to many health problems from increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer to pregnancy complications including premature birth, gestational diabetes and all types of pregnancy loss.

We don’t understand all the reasons that obesity is linked with pregnancy loss. But studies all over the world are finding the same results. Women who are obese have a much higher risk of losing their babies. 

3.Eat Right:Eating a healthy diet isn't just a concern for women trying to lose weight. Research has found that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can lower your risk of pregnancy complications. Women were 50% less likely to have a baby with anencephaly while eating such a diet. A healthy diet is also associated with weight control and optimal blood sugar control for women with diabetes.

4.Start Prenatal Care:A physical exam from a doctor or midwife may uncover health problems or pregnancy complications you aren’t aware of which could lead to a pregnancy loss if they go untreated such as high blood pressure, gestational or type 2 diabetes, cervical or uterine abnormalities or sexually transmitted infections.

5.Have Safe Sex:It may seem crazy to recommend safe sex to women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant but the fact is that sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia or syphilis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death and infertility.

Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for STIs. You’ll get screened when you start prenatal care but you may want to get screened even before you start trying to conceive if you or your partner have more than one sexual partner. If you have multiple partners, you should use a condom even while pregnant and you should always use condom with a new sexual partner until you have both been screened for STIs.

By: Amusan Blessing

cc: https://www.verywellfamily.com