Reducing Your Risk of Miscarriage
While many miscarriages are due to chromosomal abnormalities, there are evidence-based steps women can take before and during pregnancy to support healthier outcomes and reduce risk where possible.
✅ Preconception & Early Pregnancy Care
- Begin folic acid (0.4–0.6 mg/day) and vitamin D supplementation early—these support fetal development and may lower miscarriage risk. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Adopt a nutrient-rich diet high in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, eggs, and seafood (low-mercury) for better pregnancy outcomes. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
🚭 Eliminate Harmful Substances
- Quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke—both significantly increase miscarriage risk. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Limit caffeine to under ~200 mg/day (about one standard coffee) and avoid alcohol entirely during pregnancy. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
🩺 Medical Assessment & Management
- Screen for and manage underlying medical conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, STIs, and obesity prior to conception. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- For women with ≥3 previous miscarriages or early pregnancy bleeding, progesterone therapy may be considered—but evidence is mixed and effects are controversial. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Low-dose aspirin before conception and in early pregnancy may help women with one or two prior miscarriages (but not universally effective). :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Cervical cerclage may be offered between 12–14 weeks to women with cervical shortening and prior late miscarriage. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
🔍 Ongoing Care & Monitoring
- Schedule early prenatal visits—testing may include ultrasound, labs, and STD screening to identify risk early. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Monitor and treat chronic conditions; maintain optimal weight and control metabolic health. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
🤰 Natural Signs & Reassurance
Some early pregnancy symptoms like nausea and vomiting are associated with a reduced miscarriage risk—though absence of these symptoms doesn’t predict loss. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
📌 Summary Table
| Strategy | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Folic acid & vitamin D | Supports early development, reduces neural tube defects & miscarriage risk |
| Healthy diet | Rich in nutrients associated with lower miscarriage risk |
| Stop smoking & avoid alcohol/caffeine | Reduces placental and fetal harm |
| Medical screening (diabetes, thyroid, infections) | Identifies modifiable risk factors |
| Progesterone or aspirin (in select cases) | May benefit those with recurrent losses or bleeding |
| Cervical cerclage (if indicated) | Helps prevent second-trimester losses in specific cases |
📝 Final Thoughts
Many miscarriages are beyond individual control, but by optimizing health before pregnancy—through diet, supplementation, medical evaluation, and avoidance of harmful substances—you can reduce modifiable risks. Personalized guidance is especially important for those with recurrent losses.