Spontaneous abortion is one of the most common adverse pregnancy outcomes, occurring in an estimated 12-24% of pregnancies. Beyond its association with cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, recent prospective research from Harvard University clarifies the link between spontaneous abortion and premature mortality in women.
I. BMJ: Women with Spontaneous Abortions May Have Shorter Lifespans!
On March 24, 2021, the British Medical Journal published online this study titled "Association of spontaneous abortion with all-cause and cause-specific premature mortality: prospective cohort study."
The study revealed a correlation between spontaneous abortion and premature mortality in women, primarily manifested in cardiovascular disease mortality risk. Thus, spontaneous abortion may serve as an early indicator of health risks in women, warranting further investigation into its relationship with long-term female health and underlying mechanisms.
II. How Can Expectant Mothers Prevent Spontaneous Abortion?
Preconception Period
During the preconception period, both partners should undergo chromosomal medical testing to determine if they carry genetic disease-causing genes. Women with a history of recurrent miscarriages should especially undergo standardized examinations to identify the cause of miscarriage.
Early Pregnancy
1.During early pregnancy, affected by morning sickness, expectant mothers should arrange adequate rest and ensure sufficient sleep; maintain a healthy, balanced diet, minimize consumption of raw, cold, or spicy foods to prevent diarrhea; and adjust their mindset to avoid excessive stress.
2. Pay attention to physical health during early pregnancy: avoid catching colds, maintain mental and physical well-being, reduce exposure to harmful radiation, and limit computer usage to under 20 hours per week.
3. Sexual intercourse is prohibited during early pregnancy, especially for women with a history of recurrent miscarriages. Early blood typing is recommended; if Rh-negative, implement blood type management to reduce transfusion risks. Women with cervical incompetence should undergo cervical cerclage between 16-18 weeks gestation.
Other Considerations
For women with luteal insufficiency, ensure early initiation of adequate and full-course clinical medication. Women with thyroid dysfunction should achieve stable hormone levels through medication before conception and continue regular monitoring and treatment throughout pregnancy.
Eliminate infection risks by undergoing TORCH testing during preconception and early pregnancy. Minimize contact with cats and dogs before conception and during pregnancy, especially within the first trimester.
Minimize visits to crowded places during early pregnancy to prevent viral cross-infection. Pre-pregnancy diagnosis of complete or incomplete uterine septum may warrant septum resection; submucosal fibroids can be removed via hysteroscopic myomectomy; intrauterine adhesions may be addressed with hysteroscopic adhesiolysis; and intrauterine masses can be excised hysteroscopically. Pregnancy following these treatments significantly reduces miscarriage risk.