Answering the question of why the loss of your baby occurred will most likely never be answered with certainty. You will probably feel angry about the lack of a definite answer, enraged with what you feel may be physician and technology incompetence, and simply be left with a hole in your heart as to what you did to cause this tragedy. We believe the first step to moving forward in grief is to accept that there was nothing either of you could have done to have prevented the loss of your baby. 

Unfortunately, as many as 60% of miscarriages will remain unexplained, but we would like to provide you with some of the more common and known possibilities. 

Hormones: Irregular periods may be a sign that a woman may experience fertility problems and possible miscarriage.  Hormone imbalances will usually cause a miscarriage within 10 weeks of gestation. Beyond that time, it is expected that the placenta will have taken over hormone production. Progesterone and prolactin are two of the suspected deficient hormones as they are responsible for developing the uterine lining. Low levels may not allow the lining to adequately develop to provide nourishment and support the fertilized egg for maturation.  Progesterone given through suppositories or injection has not been proven effective and is thought to perhaps prolong an inevitable miscarriage. Thyroid and adrenal dysfunction may also increase a woman’s chance for miscarriage. 

Chromosome Defects: Most first-trimester miscarriages are related to chromosome abnormalities. (Chromosomes are parts of a cell that carry a person’s genes). In some cases the baby does not develop normally right from the start and cannot survive. In other situations, even if both the egg and sperm are genetically perfect, the first few cell divisions can result in abnormality resulting in miscarriage. It is simply a chance occurrence which often does not occur with a future pregnancy. The number of genetic abnormalities falls to less than 10% after the second trimester. 

Structural problems with the cervix or uterus: A structurally abnormal uterus may inhibit implantation of the fertilized egg. Another complication is if the uterus is abnormally shaped. As the baby grows the uterus may not be able to expand. A physical problem with the cervix is what is called an incompetent cervix. Again, as the baby grows and develops, it places pressure on the cervical opening. This causes the cervix to begin to open resulting in miscarriage. It is important to understand that these structural problems can be diagnosed by an x-ray using dye (hysterosalpingogram) or by and ultrasound using saline. Effective treatments are available for both of these conditions through either uterine corrective surgery or with cervical stitching to maintain closure of the cervix. This problem will reoccur if it is not treated. 

Significant Infections: Some specific infections and illnesses may increase chances for miscarriage. By infection, we are not speaking of the common cold or even a sinus infection, but rather illnesses which are accompanied by high fever, some sexually transmitted diseases, or infections which may have created scar tissue within the reproductive system.

Other causes: Many of the other causes of a pregnancy loss extend beyond the scope of the information we are able to provide you. Such factors are complicated and often misunderstood. Examples of such conditions include immune disorders (antiphospholipid antibodies, antinuclear antibodies and NK cells autoimmune disorders), fetal-blocking antibodies, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome. To learn more about these conditions please refer to the resource area of our website which will provide appropriate links to additional websites. 

One of the most difficult causes to accept is that you may miscarry and lose your baby without any known cause at all. Research has demonstrated, however, that one miscarriage does not increase your risk for a second miscarriage.