Miscarriage Risk: Higher in Underweight Mothers

In a study commissioned by the Miscarriage Association and published online in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, underweight mothers are found to be at higher risk from miscarriage.

Miscarriages have always baffled health experts in the past because of its unknown origin. Pregnant women are advised to have a healthy diet that consists of vegetables and fruits. Surprisingly, chocolates are found to be very beneficial to the pregnant mother’s health as well as in the unborn child; and even reduce the risk of miscarriage.

The study focused on 600 women with miscarriage incidents in their first trimester and 6000 women who successfully completed their pregnancy.

Health experts Noreen Maconochie and Pat Doyle, both from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Women, concluded the following:

# Those mothers with a Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 18.5 are 72 percent more likely to experience a miscarriage.

# That there is a 50% lesser chance of a spontaneous abortion for mothers who take their iron and vitamin supplement during pregnancy.

Incidences of miscarriages have increased to 250,000 yearly. Scientists are looking for other possible reasons for miscarriages. They seem to agree that the age of pregnant woman, chromosome abnormalities, maternal diseases, uterine problems and a previous miscarriage also increases the risks in a woman. Alcohol intake, drinking caffeinated beverages and smoking are likewise considered as culprits for this medical condition.

Pregnant women who experience “morning sickness” also have a 70 percent lesser chance of having a miscarriage in their first trimester.

Maconochie, the lead author, stated: “Our study confirms the findings of previous studies, which suggest that following a healthy diet, reducing stress and looking after your emotional wellbeing may all play a role in helping women in early pregnancy, or planning a pregnancy, to reduce their risk of miscarriage.”