Complications - miscarriage
Common Causes of Non- Recurrent Miscarriage
The greatest incidence of non-recurrent (or one-time) miscarriage is attributed to: genetics, environmental exposure or infection.
Genetics
In early first trimester, more than 60% of miscarriages are related to major chromosomal abnormalities in the developing embryo. This occurs even when both parents have normal chromosomes. In most cases, this is a single event and there is no increased risk of genetic abnormality in future pregnancies.
Environmental exposure
Exposures such as high dose radiation, chemicals, chemotherapy drugs, cocaine, alcohol, smoking, heavy caffeine consumption and extreme hyperthermia (greatly increased body temperature, as occurs in the use of a hot tub) may affect the blood circulation to the placenta and cause damage to the growing embryo – leading to miscarriage.
Viral & Bacterial Infection
In some cases, infection with certain bacteria or viruses has been linked to miscarriage, including Rubella, Listeria, Syphilis, Cytomegalovirus, Toxoplasmosis, Brucella, and Mycoplasma. Following a miscarriage, you will be tested for the presence of any of these organisms, and when necessary, a course of therapy will be given.