The main causes of miscarriage

• Blighted ovum - This is when a fertilised egg doesn't develop as it should.
• Genetic factors: - About half of all miscarriages are caused because your baby doesn't develop normally and so can't survive.
• Illness in the mother - If you get a very high temperature in pregnancy it can be dangerous, as can some illness and infections, such as German measles. Minor infections like coughs and colds aren't harmful, though.
• Hormone imbalance - You may find it more difficult to conceive if you have irregular periods and could then be more likely to miscarry.
• Placental problems - if you have problems with the blood supply to the placenta, your baby can lack nourishment and the pregnancy can miscarry.
• Womb problems - your cervix can be weak and open too early, causing a miscarriage. This can be rectified in future pregnancies. Sometimes your womb may be an unusual shape and prevent your baby from growing properly or large fibroids (growths) in your womb can cause miscarriage, too.
• Ectopic pregnancy - This affects one in 100 pregnancies and is when the embryo develops in one of the fallopian tubes or elsewhere outside the womb. This can be risky for the mother as her tube may burst and the pregnancy ends.

Talk about your loss

If you miscarry both you and your partner will need support to deal with your loss. Talk to your GP, family and friends and contact support groups who can all help you get through this. If you had a late miscarriage in hospital it may really help for you to see and hold your baby to say your goodbyes. You may want to take a photo of your baby and organise a burial. Counselling can help you deal with your grief.

When can you try again?

In most cases, you can start trying for another baby soon after your miscarriage, although you may want to wait until after your next period to give your body time to recover. Talk to your doctor about the possible reasons you miscarried.

Where next?
- The facts about miscarriage
- Readers tips for coping with miscarriage
- Life after miscarriage
- Why am I bleeding? Find out what else it could be
- Find out all about depression
- Ten ways to fight depression
- The truth about fertility and ovulation

Need more help?

• Read our article on miscarriage in our Health section for more help and advice.
• The Miscarriage Association, 01924 200799; 0131 334 8883 in Scotland; www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk
• Babyloss, online support if you've been affected by the death of your baby during pregnancy, at birth, or shortly afterwards www.babyloss.com
• The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, 01895 238 025; www.ectopic.org.