What is the most common cause of early stage miscarriage?

[marcy s]

[Kay G]

birth defects.

[PouchieMumma]

About half of all early miscarriages happen because of a problem in the way genetic material from the egg and sperm has combined during fertilisation. It can be difficult to find out why this has happened but it is more likely to be due to random chance than to any underlying problem with either parent.

Imbalances in pregnancy hormones, problems in the immune system, and some serious infections (not minor coughs or colds) are also thought to make miscarriages more likely. The risk of miscarriage increases with age, because the quality of eggs deteriorate. If a woman drinks too much alcohol or smokes heavily, the risk of a miscarriage is higher. It is also increased with multiple pregnancies, such as twins.

If a woman has previously taken the contraceptive pill, the risk of having a miscarriage appears to be slightly reduced.

[Ruby]

heavy lifting did it to me twice!