Miscarriage

About Miscarriage

Miscarriage refers to the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 24 weeks. Around 250,000 miscarriages occur in the UK each year. 80 percent of them take place during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

An estimated 20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage, although the figure could be significantly higher because many miscarriages are thought to occur before a woman realises that she is pregnant.

Western Medicine View

There are many different reasons for a miscarriage to occur. The most known common cause is the genetic abnormalities such as a faulty chromosome in the baby. Other common causes include chronic illnesses (diabetes, severe high blood pressure, kidney disease etc.), acute infections (i.e. German Measles), hormonal imbalance, diseases and abnormalities of the internal female organs (i.e. fibroids), and certain drugs (cocaine, caffeine), tobacco and alcohol.

Chinese Medicine View

Blood and Qi (the body’s essential energy) are the most important sources for nurturing the fetus in its mother’s body. Hence Qi vacuity, loss of blood, abnormal or disconnected blood flow may give rise to miscarriage.

According to Chinese Medicine theory acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be prescribed to help ensure that the flow of blood and Qi between mother and fetus is balanced and nourishing and that the mother’s uterus is tonified. Treatments are used with the aim to restore the balance in the flow of blood and energy within the woman’s reproductive system and strengthen the body against another miscarriage.

Lifestyle Advice

For expert lifestyle advice and information on infertility, please see our guide to Overcoming Infertility .

For personalised advice on diet and lifestyle, please ask the doctor during your consultation.

Please be reminded that we offer free online health advice.