Ask the Expert Series: Common Causes of Miscarriages

Hello everyone! Excited to “see” you! I am Dr Smily Lock, Head of Healthcare Solutions - Chronic and Long-Term Care. A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy during the first 23 weeks. The main signs of a miscarriage include vaginal bleeding, and missed pregnancy symptoms followed by cramping and pain. Various factors increase the risk of miscarriage. You can learn here many more things about miscarriages and their causes. --------------------------------------- Here are some questions asked in our community, and we got the answers for you ✅ 👩‍💼Which food can cause miscarriage in pregnancy? 👩‍🔬Hi there, thanks for your question. Certain maternal infections like Listeria monocytogenes can lead to miscarriage. To prevent listeriosis, avoid eating these foods in pregnancy: unpasteurised milk and soft cheeses, refrigerated pate and meat spreads, refrigerated smoked seafood and unwashed fruits and vegetables. Raw or undercooked meat should also be avoided during pregnancy due to risk of toxoplasmosis, an infection with bacteria often found in raw meat. - Dr Smily 👩‍💼Can pregnancy stress cause miscarriage? 👩‍🔬Hi there, thanks for your question. The most common causes of miscarriage include chromosomal abnormalities, congenital abnormalities, endocrine disorders and clotting disorders. Pregnancy stress is not a major cause of miscarriage. - Dr Smily 👩‍💼Is brown discharge in the 2nd trimester a sign of miscarriage? 👩‍🔬 Hi there, thanks for your question. Discharge during pregnancy should be assessed by an obstetrician - do seek a medical consultation early if you do experience such symptoms. - Dr Smily