Being Too Thin May Cause Increased Miscarriage Risk

December 6th, 2006

When researchers in London studied 600 adult women who had miscarried and 6,000 with successful pregnancies, they discovered that very underweight women were 72% more likely to miscarry during the first three months. Those with a body mass index (BMI) below 18.5 were especially prone to miscarry.

The causes of miscarriage are not fully understood. Well-established risk factors include increased maternal age, a history of previous miscarriage, and infertility. Other factors such as alcohol use, smoking, and extreme emotional stress might play a role, as well as excessive caffeine intake. Eating small amounts of chocolate daily may actually be beneficial, according to the study.

In study participants, women who had a previous abortion or those who got pregnant through in vitro fertilization (IVF) were 60% and 40%, respectively, more likely to lose the baby in the first trimester. On the other hand, those who had a “planned” pregnancy increased their chances of carrying the baby to term by 60%. Additional findings were that morning sickness may actually be a good sign, an indication that the pregnancy is progressing well.

 Women who on most days ate fresh fruit and vegetables appeared to have a better outcome than those whose meals did not regularly include them. Of special importance, women who supplemented their diet with folic acid and iron, or vitamins containing them, showed the most pronounced benefits – cutting their risk of miscarriage in half.

In the United Kingdom, about 1 in 5 pregnancies end in miscarriage each year. Researchers intended this study to provide helpful information to the thousands of women who do not understand why they miscarried and to suggest ways to prevent it in the future.

Whenever possible, women who want to become pregnant are encouraged to do pre-pregnancy planning with their doctor. Any existing medical conditions such as excessive thinness, obesity or diabetes should be treated and if possible controlled before conception is attempted. After conceiving, it is important to have the pregnancy followed by a physician.

The findings of this study are published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Source:  BBC News

Entry Filed under: Pregnancy & Birth,WOMEN'S HEALTHCARE