Common Reasons for Very Early Miscarriages?

Hello. I just had a miscarriage a few days ago. I'm 42 years old and never tried to carry a baby to term before. I've had a few abortions in the past, surgical and the kind where they give you a pill. This time I really wanted to have the baby. I was only about 19 to 20 days pregnant when I miscarried so it was very early. Since I'm a novice, I really don't know much about what causes miscarriages so I was wondering if anyone can help me understand this better.

My health is fairly good, although I have a chronic intestinal issue. It's called candiasis. It's the same organism that causes vaginal yeast infections, only this is a chronic condition in my intestines. I'm mentioning this because I take certain herbs daily to control it, although I haven't been able to totally get rid of it. I'm thinking maybe the herbs I take had something to do with the miscarriage? But I don't know for sure. Also, a few women in my family have a condition called MTHFR that affects pregnancy. I haven't been tested so I don't know if I have it. Of course another possibility could just be the fact that I do have a chronic candida problem in my intestines. I just don't know and I'm frazzled because I really want to have a child.  

What are the most common reasons for early miscarriage? Thanks.

[AnnieBrooke]

I think you're better off talking to your doctor than to try to find common reasons for early miscarriage.  You have specific things to look into and consider, no "common reasons" list will help you very much.  For example, definitely get tested for the MTHFR mutation.  Also, given your reproductive history, there is the possibility of uterine scarring -- have you had a uterine MRI to rule it out?  And you should certainly find out if your herbs are contra-indicated during pregnancy.  The elephant in the room is of course your age.  The eggs of a 42-year-old woman are at least 42 years old.  (If not 43, given that they form in the woman when she is still in the womb.)  At least some of them might not be functional enough to continue, because of that issue alone.  Again, discuss it all with your doctor.

[Ecologic]

1st trimester miscarriages at 42 are often from a genetic problem with the baby, the risk gets higher as you get older. There is unfortunately nothing to be done to prevent them. I have had 4, the last one recently at almost 43. My last baby had trisomy 18. Thanksfully I was able to have a healthy baby at 41. Having a baby in your 40's is a bit like Russian roulette...

As for the MTHFR mutation, I have a version of it, I took baby aspirin (81 mg) during my whole pregnancy as well as an excess of folic acid. Just get tested to see if you have it, it's a simple blood test. It can sometimes cause miscarriage in the 1st trimester so better get tested!

Also ask an ObGyn if the herbs you take could be bad for pregnancy!

[SophieX]

I had a miscarriage 8 months ago and it was down to a genetic blood clotting disorder i have which unfortunately i didnt know about at the time and aspirin is needed..5 months later i had another miscarriage earlier on and it turned out to be a chemical pregnancy causing me to miscarry..there is lots of reasons that causes miscarriages its best to talk to your doctor to avoid miscarrying again due to an underlying condition..

[HollyTH]

With your family history, it is likely that you do have some form of the MTHFR polymorphism.  Women with this mutation have a limited ability to break down synthetic folic acid (the type found in enriched foods and most supplements).  This puts them at risk for folate deficiency related pregnancy complications.  I work with NeevoDHA, a prenatal specifically indicated for women with the MTHFR polymorphism.  It contains active, already broken down L-methylfolate as an alternative to synthetic folic acid.  L-methylfolate is 7 times more bioavailable than folic acid.  It bypasses the MTHFR mutation and is 100% available for DNA synthesis and repair which is so crucial while trying to conceive and during pregnancy.  It is something simple and safe you can do to be sure folate deficiency is not causing your losses.  

I am sorry for your losses and I hope you find some answers and are able to have a healthy and happy pregnancy in the near future.  Best of luck!