Understanding Miscarriage and Finding Your Way Forward

🎙️In this episode of the podcast we discuss miscarriage and take a look at just how common it really is, examine what causes it, and clarify what actually can and what cannot be prevented. As a brief note, this episode only addresses first and second trimester losses (up to 20 weeks).

📊 The figure for real numbers is that 15.3% of known pregnancies result in miscarriage (Lance), but when early, undetected losses are taken into account, the rate rises to nearly 1 in 3. We go through why so many different statistics have been heard, what is considered to constitute 'recurrent loss' according to Australian guidelines as compared to those of ESHRE and RCOG, and why the majority of first-trimester losses are due to random chromosomal errors in the egg rather than anything you did, ate, or lifted.

🧬 We look at the genuine risk factors and give them actual figures: those related to maternal age and the genetics involved, the health of male sperm, smoking, alcohol, caffeine in amounts over 200mg a day, and body weight.

💊 Then comes the issue of treatable causes: thyroid disease, antiphospholipid syndrome, and the use of vaginal progesterone in women who have early bleeding and a previous loss. We’ll discuss what is actually worth testing for and what is often overhyped.

👨 And the other half of the picture that rarely is spoken about: male sperm health, the 74–90 day window to optimise it before trying again, and why some popular pre-conception herbs (vitex, black cohosh, red raspberry leaf) should be avoided.

💛 If you're going through a loss at the moment, this episode is intended to be educational and not a substitute for professional care. You should contact a general practitioner or a specialist, and if you'd like to speak to someone, 1-800-RESPECT is available.

All references are in the full article available on my Substack and Patreon.

🔵 Arc Woman™ content is protected by copyright and trademark laws. Reuse or repurposing requires written consent. This podcast is not a replacement for medical advice.

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