Habitual abortion is also known as recurrent miscarriage, which is 2 or more times in a row. Why did this happen? Let's look at the explanation regarding the causes of habitual abortion, as well as how to prevent it.
Habitual abortions or consecutive miscarriages are rare conditions. Symptoms that occur are no different from miscarriages in general. However, this condition needs to be evaluated more carefully because it can be caused by a serious health condition.
Causes of Habitual Abortion
The following are some of the causes that can make a woman experience a habitual abortion:
1. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)
Antiphospholipid syndrome is also known as thick blood syndrome. This syndrome is an autoimmune disease that can make it more difficult to attach a potential fetus to the uterus, increasing the risk of miscarriage. Antiphospholipid syndrome is found in 15–20% of women with habitual abortion.
2. Thrombophilia
Thrombophilia is a condition that is present at birth. This disease can be said to be similar to antiphospholipid syndrome because they both make blood clot more easily. Therefore, thrombophilia is also thought to play a role in the occurrence of habitual abortion.
3. Infectious diseases
There are several infectious diseases that are associated with recurrent miscarriage, including: chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and toxoplasmosis. Even so, researchers are still exploring what types of infectious diseases most increase the risk of recurrent miscarriage.
4. Chromosomal abnormalities
A study says that about 2-5 percent of couples can experience a habitual abortion caused by chromosomal abnormalities. This disorder may not arise as a disease in the couple, but appears after being passed on to the prospective fetus. This abnormality causes the prospective fetus can not develop and eventually a miscarriage occurs.
5. Problems with the uterus
The uterus is the main support for pregnancy. Therefore, women who have problems with the uterus, whether in the form of fibroids, uterine deformities, uterine wall abnormalities (Asherman's syndrome), or weak cervix (cervical incompetence), are more susceptible to habitual abortion.
6. Hormone problems
Hormonal problems, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, are believed to be associated with habitual abortion. Even so, the extent of the relationship has not been confirmed and still needs further research.
The risk of habitual abortion can also increase at the age of more than 35 years. In addition, obesity, smoking, consumption of alcoholic beverages, drug abuse, and chronic diseases, such as heart disease, kidney failure, and diabetes, are also thought to have a role in the occurrence of habitual abortion.
Prevention of Habitual Abortion
Although there are no specific steps to prevent habitual abortion, the following methods are considered to reduce the risk of miscarriage:
- Implement a healthy diet with balanced nutrition
- Take 400 mg of folic acid daily, at least 2 months before planning a pregnancy
- Maintain ideal body weight
- Manage stress well
- Do not smoke or inhale cigarette smoke
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages or drugs
- Get vaccinated according to doctor's recommendations to prevent infectious diseases
- Avoid exposure to radiation and harmful toxins that may be present in food or everyday products, such as benzene, arsenic, and formaldehyde
- Avoid exposure to environmental pollution and infectious diseases
To prevent recurrent miscarriage or habitual abortion, the causative factors must be identified and addressed. Therefore, the obstetrician will carry out several examinations, ranging from physical examinations, blood tests, to ultrasound examinations. Once it is known, then the doctor will treat it.
If you want to plan a pregnancy and have experienced miscarriages 2 times in a row, you should first check with your obstetrician. This is important to ensure that the next pregnancy can be healthy and go well.
