To prevent miscarriage in early pregnancy, several important steps can be taken:
- Take folic acid supplements daily (usually around 400-600 mcg) starting at least one to three months before conception and continuing through early pregnancy. This reduces the risk of miscarriage and congenital disabilities.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: avoid smoking, alcohol, and illicit drugs; limit caffeine intake; eat a balanced diet; stay hydrated; and maintain a healthy weight.
- Control stress levels and get regular prenatal check-ups to monitor pregnancy health.
- Manage chronic health conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and autoimmune diseases with medical guidance to reduce miscarriage risk.
- Avoid exposure to environmental toxins, infections, and harmful activities such as heavy exercise or long trips during early pregnancy.
- Progesterone supplementation may be recommended in some cases of recurrent miscarriage or hormonal insufficiency.
- Stay up to date on vaccinations before pregnancy to prevent infections that could harm the fetus.
- Avoid herbal medicines or remedies not approved by a healthcare provider, as some can increase miscarriage risk.
These measures collectively support a healthy early pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage, though it is important to note that many miscarriages happen due to chromosomal abnormalities and cannot be fully prevented.
If there are specific concerns or a history of recurrent miscarriage, consulting a healthcare professional for tailored advice and monitoring is essential. References:
- Raadina Health on miscarriage prevention
- WebMD miscarriage prevention
- Tommy's research on reducing miscarriage risk
- HSE advice on miscarriage prevention
- NHS on miscarriage prevention
- Research on progesterone treatment
