Miscarriage causes

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Miscarriages can occur for many reasons, not all of which can be identified.

Most miscarriages (more than three-quarters) occur during the first trimester.^[1]

Chromosomal abnormalities are found in more than half of embryos miscarried in the first 13 weeks. A pregnancy with a genetic problem has a 95% chance of ending in miscarriage. Most chromosomal problems happen by chance, have nothing to do with the parents, and are unlikely to recur.^[2] Genetic problems are more likely to occur with older parents; this may account for the higher miscarriage rates observed in older women.^[3]

Another cause of early miscarriage may be progesterone deficiency. Women diagnosed with low progesterone levels in the second half of their menstrual cycle (luteal phase) may be prescribed progesterone supplements, to be taken for the first trimester of pregnancy.^[2]

Up to 15% of pregnancy losses in the second trimester may be due to uterine malformation, growths in the uterus (fibroids), orcervical problems.^[2] These conditions may also contribute to premature birth.^[1]

One study found that 19% of second trimester losses were caused by problems with the umbilical cord. Problems with the placenta may also account for a significant number of later-term miscarriages.^[4]

• Isotretinoin
• Urofollitropin

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