What are the causes of miscarriage? Can I make any changes to avoid them?

Some pregnancies may end in miscarriage simply due to ‘older, poorer quality eggs’ that predispose to genetic chromosomal abnormalities. However, there are many other treatable causes of miscarriages. Hormonal abnormalities can easily be diagnosed and treated, and will reduce miscarriage risks. Uterine anatomical defects can be evaluated by an x-ray (HSG-Hysterosalpingogram) or by ultrasound (hysterosonogram). Uterine defects, such as submucous fibroids, polyps, intrauterine adhesions or a congenital uterine abnormality account for 10 – 15% of recurrent miscarriages. These defects can be repaired surgically. Genetic chromosomal unbalanced translocations make up only 1 – 2% of pregnancy losses. This abnormality can be diagnosed by doing a blood test (genetic karyotyping) on you and your partner. Just like miscarriages due to age-related chromosome abnormalities mentioned above (aneuploidy), miscarriages from chromosome translocations can be prevented by doing In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD).