Now that I've introduced my blog, I would like to open the forum with a topic that has recently affected myself and my family personally. I'm looking to write a research piece on miscarriages and if there is any correlation between them and trans vaginal ultrasounds, age, stress and environment.
A miscarriage is described as the spontaneous ending of a pregnancy before the 20th week of pregnancy.
The most common causes of a miscarriage is:
1-chromosomal or other genetic abnormality,
2-there is no developing embryo in the pregnancy sac, or the embryo is there but the heart has stop beating.
Here are some statistics on the ratio of miscarriages among women.
1 in 10 women in their 20's
1 in 7 women in their 30's
1 in 3 women in their 40's
(A note about statistics, think of 10 women in your life, one out of those women will suffer a miscarriage.)
These results surprised me I have to say. I didn't realize that the ratio was so high. Miscarriages are very common among women today.
A miscarriage is a life changing event, it effects women emotionally and physically. According to a report done in Women's health Resource; "The rates of depression are reported as high as 22-25% in the year following a miscarriage. Grief, anger, anxiety and panic are also reactions that may accompany pregnancy loss".
Another report suggested that the symptoms following a miscarriage can be compared to postpartum depression or post traumatic syndrome.
It is important for women and their families to understand the feelings and emotions associated with pregnancy loss as it will help with the healing process.
Many women will blame themselves to the point of wanting to end their own life. Which is why I feel that this discussion is important. Having recently miscarried myself I do sympathise and understand the pain that accompanies this loss.
My objective is not to find a cure or to place blame. It is to find a clearer understanding as to why this seems to be a common occurrence in women today. Possibly discover some methods that women can use to protect themselves from suffering this type of loss. Being emotionally or physically.
It is only through research and understanding can we learn to heal and move forward.
Topics for discussion:
Let's look at trans vaginal ultrasounds first.
A trans vaginal ultrasound is a type of pelvic ultrasound. It is used to look at woman's uterus, ovaries and cervix. All research suggests that these types of sonograms are safe to use during pregnancy. In early stages of pregnancy it gives the doctor a clearer image to the sac, yolk and heart beat. Very little research is done on the correlation if any between these types of ultrasounds and miscarriages. Although it does seem to be a concern in many women.
Now let's focus at age.
The percentage of miscarriages among women over 45 is increasing higher. There is not much research done on the causes of this increase. However, our body does change as we get older, our metabolism slows, organs don't function the same way they used to. For some, menopause will begin usually around this age.
The hormone related to stress is called cortisol.
Some scientists believe that this elevated cristol could cross the placenta and interfere with the development and increase the risk of early miscarriage.
In a report written by Marianne Marchese, N.D, Environmental causes of Miscarriage.
She writes about a hypothesise done by scientists "that environmental factors can also influence pregnancy. Our environment is filled with all types of chemicals. These chemicals were created with the intent to improve living through industrial technological advances. They can however, negatively effect our over all health. There is a strong relation between miscarriages and compounds such as, heavy metals, solvents and pesticides to name a few. Even low to moderate lead exposure may increase the risk for miscarriage. Environmental exposures should not be overlooked when trying to achieve a successful pregnancy. It is not necessary to live in fear but it is important to be educated of the potential health risks associated with compounds in our environment." (to read full report visit her website at http://www.drmarchese.com/)
Further discussion on these and related topics will be posted over the next few weeks.
As I mentioned before all comments and opinions are welcomed.
I highly recommend this book if you or someone you know has suffered from a miscarriage.
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