Answering the question – How common is miscarriage?

Many hopeful parents ask our San Antonio fertility specialists, “How common is miscarriage?” Although you might feel isolated after suffering a pregnancy loss, you aren’t alone. Approximately 20%-25% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage.

Miscarriage is more common in early pregnancy. In fact, more than 80% of miscarriages occur before 12 weeks, or during the first trimester. By the time you hear a fetal heartbeat on the ultrasound, the risk of miscarriage is significantly lower – typically around 10%.

What are the causes of miscarriage?

“What can cause a miscarriage?” is often the question that follows, “How common is miscarriage?” Our San Antonio fertility specialists tell hopeful parents that there are many causes of pregnancy loss.

• More than 50% of miscarriages in the first 13 weeks occur due to chromosomal problems in the fetus. The risk of conceiving a baby with chromosomal problems, and the risk of miscarriage, increase after the age of 35. However, our doctors offer fertility treatments that can increase the odds of pregnancy success.
• Certain health conditions can also cause pregnancy loss. Some examples include infections, problems with the uterine lining, poorly controlled diabetes or hypertension, uterine abnormalities like fibroids, and blood clotting or autoimmune disorders. Proper treatment of these conditions can help you become pregnant – and stay pregnant.
• Environmental and lifestyle factors can also contribute to miscarriage, including smoking, drinking and being exposed to chemicals and pesticides.

What about recurrent pregnancy loss?

Although it is less common, our San Antonio fertility specialists sometimes see women who have suffered two or more miscarriages. Our doctors realize how devastating recurrent pregnancy loss can be, but over 80% of women with this diagnosis should be able to conceive and give birth to a healthy baby.

Contact us to schedule a consultation with our San Antonio fertility specialists to learn more about the causes of miscarriage and how our doctors can help you bring home a bundle of joy.