A miscarriage can be an emotionally difficult experience, especially when you are unsure why it happened. Many women and couples in Nigeria have questions about what causes pregnancy loss, whether everyday activities or certain foods could be responsible, and what they can do to support a healthy pregnancy in the future.
Miscarriage can happen for several medical reasons, and in many cases, the exact cause is never identified. Understanding the possible causes, recognising warning signs and knowing when to seek medical advice can help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health. At Nordica Fertility Centre, our experienced fertility specialists provide personalised assessments and guidance to help individuals and couples understand their fertility concerns and explore appropriate next steps.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Miscarriage in Nigeria?
Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation. The most common causes include chromosomal abnormalities in the developing pregnancy, certain maternal health conditions, and problems affecting the uterus or cervix. These causes are not unique to Nigeria, although access to timely medical care and the management of existing health conditions can influence pregnancy care.
Some of the recognised causes and risk factors include:
- Chromosomal abnormalities: Many early miscarriages happen because the embryo has an abnormal number or arrangement of chromosomes. These changes often occur by chance during fertilisation or early development and are usually not caused by anything the parents did.
- Maternal health conditions: Poorly controlled diabetes, thyroid disorders and certain autoimmune conditions may increase the risk of pregnancy loss. Appropriate medical care can help manage some of these risks.
- Uterine or cervical problems: Certain uterine abnormalities, some fibroids that affect the uterine cavity, and cervical insufficiency in later pregnancy may contribute to pregnancy loss in specific circumstances.
- Infections: Some serious infections can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. However, not every common infection causes miscarriage, and the risk depends on the particular infection and its severity.
- Age-related factors: The risk of miscarriage increases with maternal age, particularly from the mid-30s onward, partly because chromosomal abnormalities become more common as eggs age.
- Lifestyle and environmental factors: Smoking, alcohol consumption and exposure to certain harmful substances can increase pregnancy risks. Their effects vary, and they should not be assumed to explain an individual miscarriage without proper assessment.
It is important to understand that many miscarriages occur without an identifiable cause, even when a woman has taken good care of herself and followed medical advice. Everyday activities such as walking, working, ordinary exercise or experiencing normal emotional stress are not generally considered causes of miscarriage in an otherwise uncomplicated pregnancy.
If you have experienced repeated miscarriages, or have a medical condition that may affect pregnancy, a specialist assessment may help identify relevant risk factors. Nordica Fertility Centre offers fertility tests to help assess reproductive health and guide appropriate next steps.
What Can Cause Miscarriage in Early Pregnancy?
Early pregnancy loss usually refers to a miscarriage that occurs during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. One of the most common causes is a chromosomal abnormality that prevents the embryo from developing normally. These abnormalities often occur by chance and are not usually the result of anything the mother did or failed to do.
Other factors may also contribute to miscarriage in early pregnancy, including:
- Maternal age: The likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities increases with age, which can raise the risk of early pregnancy loss.
- Uncontrolled medical conditions: Conditions such as poorly controlled diabetes and certain thyroid disorders may affect pregnancy outcomes if they are not appropriately managed.
- Certain infections: Some infections can affect a developing pregnancy, although most routine illnesses do not automatically lead to miscarriage.
- Structural problems affecting the uterus: Some uterine abnormalities or fibroids that distort the uterine cavity may interfere with a pregnancy.
- Previous pregnancy losses: Having experienced a miscarriage before may increase the likelihood of another, although many women go on to have successful pregnancies.
In some cases, doctors cannot determine exactly why an early miscarriage occurred. This uncertainty can be distressing, but it is important to remember that a miscarriage is rarely something a woman could have prevented simply by changing her daily routine.
If you experience bleeding or cramping in early pregnancy, contact a qualified healthcare professional for assessment. These symptoms do not always mean a miscarriage is occurring, and an ultrasound or other investigations may be needed to establish what is happening. If you have experienced repeated pregnancy losses, a fertility specialist can assess your medical and reproductive history to determine whether further investigations may be appropriate. Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) may be recommended in such cases.
Can Food, Herbal Remedies, Medicines or Stress Cause Miscarriage?
Many women in Nigeria have questions about whether certain foods, traditional herbal mixtures, prescribed medicines or emotional stress can cause miscarriage. It is important to separate common beliefs from medically recognised risks. While some substances and health conditions can affect a pregnancy, many everyday activities and ordinary foods do not cause miscarriage when consumed or used appropriately.
Can Certain Foods Cause Miscarriage?
Most foods are safe to eat during pregnancy when properly prepared and handled. However, some foods may carry a higher risk of foodborne infections, which can cause serious complications during pregnancy. Pregnant women should take care with raw or undercooked meat and eggs, unpasteurised dairy products, and food that has been stored or handled unsafely.
There is no reliable evidence that commonly blamed foods, such as pineapple or pawpaw eaten as ordinary food, automatically cause miscarriage. Rather than unnecessarily eliminating nutritious foods, focus on a balanced diet, safe food preparation and advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Can Herbal Mixtures or Traditional Remedies Cause Miscarriage?
Some herbal preparations may contain substances that affect the uterus, cause toxicity or interact with prescribed medicines. The ingredients and strength of many mixtures are not clearly established, making their effects during pregnancy difficult to predict. Products marketed as natural are not automatically safe.
If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, speak with a qualified healthcare professional before using herbal mixtures, traditional remedies or supplements. If you have already taken one, explain what you used and how much, if known, so that you can receive appropriate guidance without delay.
Can Medicines or Stress Lead to Miscarriage?
Some medicines may be unsuitable during pregnancy, while others are important for protecting the mother’s health and supporting a healthy pregnancy. Do not stop prescribed medication or take medication based on advice from friends or social media. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or suspect you may be pregnant.
Similarly, ordinary emotional stress, arguments, work and routine physical activity are not generally established causes of miscarriage. Severe or prolonged stress can affect wellbeing and may be associated with other health concerns, but a miscarriage should not automatically be attributed to stress.
The key takeaway: Avoid unverified remedies, use medicines under professional guidance, and seek medical advice if you are concerned about a possible exposure during pregnancy. You do not need to blame yourself for a miscarriage simply because you ate a particular food, experienced stress or continued your normal daily activities.
What Are the Warning Signs of a Miscarriage?
The warning signs of a miscarriage can include vaginal bleeding, lower abdominal cramps, back pain, and passing fluid or tissue from the vagina. However, these symptoms do not always mean a miscarriage is occurring. Some women experience light bleeding or mild cramping in early pregnancy and go on to have healthy pregnancies, so medical assessment is important to understand what is happening.
Common signs to look out for include:
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting: This may range from light spotting to heavier bleeding. Bleeding during pregnancy should be discussed with a healthcare professional, particularly if it becomes heavy or is accompanied by pain.
- Abdominal cramps: Cramping or pain in the lower abdomen may occur during a miscarriage. Mild cramps can also happen in early pregnancy, so the severity, duration and accompanying symptoms matter.
- Lower back pain: Persistent or worsening lower back pain, especially alongside bleeding or abdominal cramps, may require medical assessment.
- Passing fluid, clots or tissue: Passing unusual fluid, blood clots or tissue from the vagina can be a sign of pregnancy loss.
- A sudden change in pregnancy symptoms: A reduction in nausea or breast tenderness can occur as pregnancy progresses and does not, by itself, confirm a miscarriage.
When Should You Seek Urgent Medical Attention?
Seek urgent medical care if you experience heavy vaginal bleeding, severe or worsening abdominal pain, dizziness, fainting, fever or foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Severe pain on one side of the abdomen, shoulder-tip pain or faintness in early pregnancy can indicate an ectopic pregnancy, which is a medical emergency and needs immediate assessment.
Do not wait for all the symptoms to appear before seeking help. A healthcare professional may recommend an ultrasound scan, blood tests or other investigations to determine whether the pregnancy is progressing normally and identify the cause of your symptoms.
Most importantly, bleeding during pregnancy does not automatically mean you have miscarried. If you notice any unusual symptoms, contact your healthcare provider promptly rather than attempting to diagnose the problem yourself. Early assessment can help clarify what is happening and determine whether treatment or monitoring is needed.
How Can You Reduce Miscarriage Risk and When Should You See a Fertility Specialist?
Although not all miscarriages can be prevented, taking steps to support your health before and during pregnancy may help reduce certain risks. Because many miscarriages occur due to chromosomal abnormalities that cannot be prevented, the goal is not to guarantee a successful pregnancy but to identify manageable risk factors and receive appropriate medical care.
Steps That May Help Support a Healthy Pregnancy
- Attend preconception appointments: If you are planning a pregnancy, discuss your medical history, previous pregnancies and any existing health conditions with a qualified healthcare professional.
- Manage existing medical conditions: Conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disorders should be appropriately monitored and treated before and during pregnancy.
- Review your medicines: Ask your doctor or pharmacist to check whether your prescribed medicines, over-the-counter products and supplements are suitable when planning or carrying a pregnancy. Do not stop prescribed treatment without medical guidance.
- Maintain healthy habits: Eat a balanced diet, avoid alcohol and smoking, and take folic acid as recommended when planning pregnancy. Folic acid helps prevent certain birth defects, although it does not prevent every miscarriage.
- Attend antenatal appointments: Regular pregnancy care allows healthcare professionals to monitor your health, identify potential concerns and advise you when further investigations are necessary.
- Avoid unverified remedies: Do not use herbal mixtures or products advertised to induce menstruation or cleanse the womb, particularly when pregnancy is possible.
When Should You See a Fertility Specialist?
Consider speaking with a fertility specialist if you have experienced two or more pregnancy losses, have difficulty conceiving, or have a medical or reproductive history that may affect your chances of carrying a pregnancy. Your doctor may recommend an earlier assessment depending on your age, medical history and individual circumstances.
An assessment may involve reviewing your pregnancy history, checking relevant medical conditions and deciding whether investigations such as blood tests or pelvic ultrasound are appropriate. Not everyone needs every test, and the recommended evaluation depends on the circumstances surrounding each pregnancy loss.
At Nordica Fertility Centre, experienced fertility specialists provide personalised assessments to help individuals and couples understand their reproductive health and discuss appropriate care options. With more than 23 years of fertility care experience, Nordica supports patients across its clinics in Lagos, Abuja and Asaba. We offer a dedicated Failed Cycle and Pregnancy Loss Clinic to support patients who have experienced unsuccessful fertility treatment, including failed embryo transfers despite the transfer of good-quality embryos, or pregnancy loss.
Our specialist team takes a structured, individualised approach to identifying possible underlying causes, optimising treatment plans and addressing factors that may have contributed to previous unsuccessful outcomes. The goal is to help patients understand what may have happened, make informed decisions about their next steps and improve the chances of success in future treatment attempts.
Experiencing a miscarriage does not mean you cannot have a healthy pregnancy in the future. If you have concerns about repeated pregnancy loss or your ability to conceive, seeking professional guidance can help you understand your options and plan your next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Miscarriage
Can You Have a Healthy Pregnancy After a Miscarriage?
Yes. Many women go on to have healthy pregnancies after a miscarriage. The outlook depends on factors such as age, medical history and whether there are underlying conditions that need attention. A single miscarriage does not necessarily indicate a fertility problem. If you are concerned about your next pregnancy, a healthcare professional can advise you on appropriate care and timing.
When Should Recurrent Miscarriage Be Investigated?
Recurrent pregnancy loss is commonly evaluated after two or more pregnancy losses, although recommendations may vary depending on individual circumstances and local clinical guidance. An assessment may include reviewing your medical and pregnancy history and considering tests for relevant genetic, hormonal, anatomical or other medical factors. Not every case has an identifiable cause, but an evaluation can help determine whether any treatment or additional monitoring may be appropriate.
How Soon Can You Try to Conceive After a Miscarriage?
The appropriate time to try again depends on your physical recovery, emotional readiness and whether there were any complications. After an uncomplicated early miscarriage, some people may be able to try again once the miscarriage has resolved and they feel ready. However, your healthcare professional may recommend waiting in certain circumstances, particularly if you experienced an infection, significant bleeding or another complication.
Does Having One Miscarriage Mean You Will Have Another?
No. Having one miscarriage does not mean that another will occur. Many miscarriages happen because of random chromosomal abnormalities, and many women subsequently have successful pregnancies. If you experience repeated losses, discuss your history with a healthcare professional to determine whether further investigation is appropriate.
