Common miscarriage myths we need to stop believing
A non-viable pregnancy, or an embryo or baby without a heartbeat, in the uterus that is up to 20 weeks along, is referred to as a miscarriage. Eighty percent of all miscarriages are caused by losses in the first trimester of pregnancy. The real rate is more likely to be between 20 and 25 percent, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), which estimates that 10 percent of known pregnancies result in miscarriage. However, this figure does not take into account miscarriages that happen when a woman is not even aware that she is pregnant.
However, despite their widespread use, many people are ignorant of the truth. According to a survey, there are many misunderstandings about miscarriages among the general public.
Fetal chromosomal disorders are directly responsible for about 50% of miscarriages. The components of cells called chromosomes house genetic material. Therefore, biology has a mechanism for spotting aberrant cells that won't develop into viable ones, a form of in-built "quality control". Age can also be a factor. When a woman is under 30 years old, the rate of miscarriage is 10%; between 35 and 39 years of age, the rate increases to 20%. At age 40, it increases to 40%, and by age 45, it has reached 80%. At the outset, one miscarriage does not necessarily portend that another one is imminent because, reassuringly, the majority of chromosomal issues are not inherited.
Other frequent causes include uterine anomalies, poorly controlled medical conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and uncontrolled hypertension. Planning for reproductive health and receiving pre-conception treatment are so crucial. Miscarriages are exceedingly frequent, rarely discussed, and rife with erroneous information.
Some of the common myths around miscarriages are;
Miscarriages are rare
It might be isolated to lose a pregnancy, yet it happens frequently. Particularly because miscarriages can occur before a person even realizes they are pregnant, making it difficult to estimate the actual number. He points out that a reasonable estimate is that up to 50% of all pregnancies could result in miscarriage. Ten to fifteen percent of women who are aware of their pregnancy miscarry, most frequently in the first 12 weeks of the pregnancy.
Waiting for 3 months after miscarriage to conceive again
According to a recent study, even if you get pregnant within a month of losing a pregnancy, you can still have a healthy, full-term pregnancy.
Women are recommended to refrain from trying again until their blood test value (serum beta-hCG) drops to zero. This might happen as soon as a few weeks or even a month from now. However, if a woman underwent a treatment known as a suction D&C (dilation and curettage) following the miscarriage, some doctors might advise waiting longer.
Miscarriages cant be prevented
Although most of the factors are beyond your control, one is. The leading avoidable factor in miscarriage is smoking. Even if the father smokes, having more than 10 cigarettes a day is linked to a higher risk of miscarriage. Before attempting conception, give up smoking for the best chance.
The cause of miscarriage is always known and preventable
Although you may have heard that excessive exercise, stress, or coffee consumption might result in a miscarriage, this may not always be the case, as several other factors can lead to pregnancy loss. These factors include:
About half of all miscarriages are due to chromosomal abnormalities.
Medical problems affecting the uterus, such as a septate uterus, in which the uterus is divided by a band of muscle or tissue.
- Scar tissues.
- Fibroids.
- Lifestyle elements.
- Miscarriage only affects women
Men also suffer trauma as a result of miscarriages, even though women typically bear the brunt of the physical and emotional suffering related to a pregnancy loss. Regardless of gender, losing a pregnancy may be difficult for everyone.
Having sex during pregnancy
A healthy pregnancy is implanted in the uterus on the endometrium, a supporting layer of cells. The uterus is not ever accessed during sexual activity. Studies examining the link between sexual activity and unfavorable pregnancy outcomes have not shown any correlation between miscarriage and pregnancy problems. Many first-trimester women say that their flexibility to respond physically during sex is restricted out of concern for the fetus. Not at all. Therefore, having intercourse while pregnant should be encouraged unless you have a particular pregnancy problem for which your doctor has advised pelvic rest.
Prior use of birth control pills
Birth control pills typically operate by inhibiting ovulation, the chance that your egg will meet a sperm after intercourse, and the fertilization process needed before a pregnancy is implanted. Ovulation resumes if you stop taking birth control tablets. In some circumstances, such as with IUDs, which typically function by preventing fertilization and implantation, it is possible to become pregnant almost immediately after ceasing to use the treatment. According to extensive registry studies, there is no increased risk of miscarriage or serious birth defects if you have recently ceased using contraception or if there has been a contraceptive failure that resulted in an unintended pregnancy.
More specifically, women who have used contraceptives for an extended period should be reassured that their ovulation has not been delayed and that their risk of miscarriage has not increased.
Getting vaccinated during pregnancy
Contrary to what you may have read in certain online forums, getting the flu shot while pregnant is safe. This is crucial since, in comparison to non-pregnant women, pregnant women are more likely to die from the flu. The best strategy to protect the fetus and avoid endangering the pregnancy is to immunize the mother.
The pregnant person causes it
Even if you cognitively understand that a miscarriage wasn't your fault, guilt is a typical emotion nonetheless. There are many various reasons why a person could lose a pregnancy, therefore it's crucial to do away with the notion of blame when it comes to miscarriage and infertility, particularly for women.
Medical intervention is needed for a miscarriage
In reality, medical intervention is not always necessary for miscarriages. Mother Nature frequently intervenes, and a woman's body will naturally end the pregnancy. To help eliminate the pregnancy, though, sometimes it is necessary to need medical aid. The one that removes tissue from the body is called a dilation and curettage (D&C), and it is the most popular.
It's not a big deal as miscarriages are common
Even though miscarriages are common, each person who has one still finds it to be an isolating, traumatic experience. Recurring miscarriages may also be a sign of a medical illness or genetic problem that is the root of the problem. Without appropriate treatment or assessment, these losses may continue, which can be a huge concern. Basically, the fact that miscarriage is not uncommon does not lessen how heartbreaking it may be for the person experiencing it and their family.
Having papaya
Papaya is thought to induce abortion, which is deeply ingrained in Indian tradition, even informed people tend to avoid eating it. In actuality, only the unripe/semi-ripe green papaya has large levels of latex, which mimics the effects of hormones that cause labor, such as oxytocin and prostaglandins. However, the papaya's latex concentration diminishes as it ripens, making it safe to eat. Therefore, ripe papaya can be included in a pregnant woman's diet without endangering the fetus. Heartburn and constipation are both treated and avoided by papaya. Bloating and stomach issues, which are frequent during pregnancy, are also alleviated.
Having coffee
Caffeine is frequently advised to pregnant women to avoid since it may result in miscarriage, preterm birth, or low birth weight. However, the evidence against caffeine is weak. So long as you don't consume more than 200 mg of caffeine each day, you can still occasionally have a cup of coffee. That equates to either two mugs of instant coffee or one mug of brewed coffee. You run an increased chance of miscarriage or having a kid with a low birth weight if you routinely consume more than 200mg of caffeine each day while you're pregnant. All sources of caffeine, such as tea, cola, energy drinks, and chocolate, are subject to the 200mg limit.
Gazing at the sun
Many people believe that staring at the sun can result in a miscarriage or a fetus with a defect.
The truth is that everyone, not only pregnant women, can have their eyes harmed by staring straight at the sun during an eclipse. The retina may get permanently damaged and lose its ability to see if exposed to UV radiation. It is crucial to use specialized eclipse glasses and a projector alone to view. A miscarriage, however, cannot be brought on by the eclipse.
Pregnancy is a happy and joyful period. With excitement and expectation, the couple should be able to anticipate the baby's arrival. It should be viewed as a normal occurrence because it is in a woman's life. Unfortunately, myths and misconceptions spread by family and friends have led to uneasiness and fear in many relationships.
Women are regarded as fragile beings who would shatter if they undertake any work as soon as they become pregnant. This is unneeded and converts a wonderful moment into one that is full of unjustified limitations.