Miscarriage is a physically and emotionally painful experience that is all too common among women. It is important to understand the factors that can increase a woman's chance of having a miscarriage in order to take any possible precautions that can help maintain a healthy pregnancy.
- Age. Women over the age of 35 are at increased risk for miscarriage. According to the Mayo Clinic, at 35 a woman's chance of miscarriage is approximately 20 percent, increasing to 40 percent at age 40 and 80 percent at age 45.
- Chronic conditions. Women suffering from chronic health conditions like diabetes or thyroid problems may miscarry more easily than otherwise healthy women.
- Previous miscarriages. If there have been 2 or more previous miscarriages, the chances of a future miscarriage is increased. Interestingly, the risk of miscarriage for a woman who has suffered one miscarriage is no higher than a woman who has never experienced a miscarriage.
- Uterine or cervical problems. A short cervix or uterine abnormalities may make it difficult to maintain a pregnancy.
- Alcohol, tobacco and drug use. Women who smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol or use illegal drugs have a greater chance of having a miscarriage.
- Prenatal tests. Certain prenatal tests carry a risk of miscarriage, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling.