Pregnancy is a time when you should be extra careful of your health and wellbeing. Eating good food, exercising, and avoiding stress should be your top priorities during this time.
There are also a plethora of myths regarding the dos and don’ts of pregnancy which can lead to a lot of confusion. In this health blog, we bring you the seven things to avoid during pregnancy that cause miscarriage so that you have a clear picture.
“Pregnancy loss is defined differently around the world, but in general a baby who dies before 28 weeks of pregnancy is referred to as a miscarriage.” –World Health Organization
What are the Common Risk Factors for Miscarriages?
Some of the common reasons for miscarriages include the following:
- Being younger than 15 or older than 35
- Previous miscarriages
- Problems with fertility
- Overweight or underweight
- Having other medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid issues
- STDs
- Due to bacterial or viral infections in pregnancy
- Uterine malformations
Also, see 11 Practical Ways to Avoid Miscarriage
What are the Symptoms of a Miscarriage?
The most common symptom of a miscarriage is vaginal bleeding. This can vary from light spotting to heavy bleeding, and may or may not be accompanied by cramping or pain in the lower abdomen.
Other possible symptoms include fluid or tissue passing from the vagina, and changes in your menstrual cycle. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to see a doctor.
What are the Things to Avoid during Pregnancy that Cause Miscarriage?
In order to avoid the risk of having a miscarriage you must stay away from or limit the following things:
1. Taking Too Much Caffeine
Taking high levels of caffeine has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriages. It can easily pass into the baby bag and cause toxicity because it can be metabolized by the baby. This high build-up of caffeine can stop the baby’s growth and increase the risk of low birth weight.
However, if you love tea or coffee and are scared of leaving them for 9 months there is good news. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), it is safe to take less than 200 mg of caffeine per day.
Sources of Caffeine:
You can use the table given below to calculate the caffeine content of some of the common foods easily:
| Food Item | Quantity | Caffeine Content (mg) |
| Coffee | 1 Cup | 95 |
| Black Tea | 1 Cup | 47 |
| Green Tea | 1 Cup | 28 |
| Soda | 12 ounces | 40-55 |
| Dark Chocolate | 1 ounce | 24 |
| Energy Drinks | 16 ounces | 170 |
| Instant Coffee | 1 Cup | 60 |
2. Chemicals
There are a few chemicals that you should stay away from during pregnancy, as they can be quite harmful and might result in a miscarriage:
- Cleaners with acid or acidic fumes
- Mosquito repellents
- Mercury
- Nail paints with Formaldehyde
- Asbestos
- Chemical bisphenol A
- Lead-based products
3. Certain Herbs
It is quite common to use herbs to make teas in our country, so we should be extra careful not to consume too much of any herb that might cause a miscarriage.
A few herbs that should be avoided during pregnancy are:
- Ammi visnaga
- Berberine
- Bitter melon
- Black cohosh
- Cannabis
- Cat’s Claw
- Chamomile
- Dong quai
- Fenugreek
- Licorice is a plant
- Melatonin
- Pennyroyal
- Red clover
- Sage
- Thyme
4. Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy
There are many foods that pregnant women are advised to avoid, as they can pose a risk to the developing baby. These include:
- Raw or undercooked meat and poultry: These can contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
- Raw or undercooked eggs: These can also contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
- Liver and liver products: These can contain high levels of vitamin A, which can be harmful to the developing baby.
- Soft cheeses: These can contain listeria, a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
- Unpasteurized milk and juices: These can also contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
5. Weight Issues
Some studies have suggested that being overweight or obese may increase the risk of miscarriage, while other studies have found no link between weight and miscarriage.
The jury is still out on this one, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re trying to get pregnant. If you’re underweight, make sure you’re eating a balanced diet and getting enough calories to support a healthy pregnancy.
Either way, if you are trying to conceive, it is important to speak with a doctor about how to have a healthy pregnancy weight.
Also, learn How To Boost Fertility In Your 30s?
6. Stress
Yes, stress is one of the things to avoid during pregnancy that cause miscarriage too. There are a few ways to manage stress during pregnancy. First, make sure you’re getting enough rest. Pregnancy is tiring, and you need all the energy you can get.
Second, eat healthy and balanced meals. Third, exercise regularly. Exercise releases endorphins, which help reduce stress. Finally, talk to your doctor about your stress levels. They can help you find ways to manage your stress and keep you and your baby safe.
7. Alcohol and Drugs
Alcohol and drugs are both known to cause miscarriages. Alcohol use is associated with a 20-30% increased risk of miscarrying, while drug use is associated with a 60-80% increased risk.
The exact mechanisms by which these substances cause miscarriages are not fully understood, but they are thought to interfere with the baby’s normal development.
Consult a Doctor for Safe a Pregnancy!
If you are pregnant or think you may be, it is important to consult with a doctor as soon as possible. This will help ensure that you and your baby are healthy throughout the pregnancy.
Your doctor will likely recommend that you take prenatal vitamins, which help to provide nutrients for both you and your baby. They may also suggest that you make some lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and drinking alcohol to avoid the risk of miscarriage.
So don’t hesitate to consult with a medical professional. You can book an online appointment with the Best Gynecologists in Pakistan at affordable rates via Marham today!
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FAQs
What items can cause a miscarriage?
Alcohol, drugs, certain herbs and chemical, too much caffeine, certain foods, stress, weight issues, and infections are some things that might lead to a miscarriage.
What weeks are the highest risk for miscarriage?
The highest risk of having a miscarriage is in the first trimester which is the first three months of pregnancy because it is easy for the pregnancy to go unnoticed during this time.
Can hot water miscarriage?
There is no scientific evidence that drinking hot water causes miscarriage during pregnancy. However, you must avoid hot teas made with certain herbs in excessive amounts.