Reasons for Miscarriage at 6 Weeks (First Trimester)

Q: Dear Doctor, thanks for your reply. I am sorry to inform you that I had miscarriage again. The fetus was growing normal but there was no cardiac activity. Having miscarriage twice in a row is devastating. I am 35 and trying for my second child. The first child was born healthy after a miscarriage, so I have had 3 miscarriages so far in my life. Is there anything wrong with me. All miscarriages have happened within 6-8 weeks after detecting a fetal heart beat which raises hope every time. Please advice what should we do next? The doctor has sent fetus for some test this time and we should see the report in a week. Until then, please advice.

Reply:

We are very sorry for all that happened. May God give you strength.

It would be better to investigate the probable causes of miscarriage before attempting again for conception.

Causes of Miscarriage in First Trimester

Fetal Factors

Chromosomal abnormality in the fetus. This is probably the commonest cause of miscarriage in this phase. Here, the genetic code of the baby is defective, not letting it grow or survive after a certain gestational age. As if the fetus is predestined not to survive.

Probably your doctor has sent the fetus for ruling out this cause.

Autosomal trisomy is the commonest among such anomalies. However, there may be other types of anomalies too.

Sometimes, the error occurs when the fertilized egg starts dividing. There may be some erroneous division.

Such fetus are not able to grow beyond a certain length of time. Nothing can be done in such cases. However, it is not necessary that every conception will yield such a fetus. This is just a matter of chance.

Maternal Factors

  • Structural abnormality in the cervix or the uterus. These include many defects like septa (flap like structure) inside the uterus, fibroid in uterus or a very small cervix. Such factors may interfere with proper implantation of the fetus. Your doctor must have checked out these factors.
  • Production of too little hormones by the maternal body. Fetal development requires adequate levels of progesterone and HCG in mother’s blood. If there is insufficient amount of these hormones, miscarriage may occur. So early phases of pregnancy should be closely monitored and hormonal levels should be checked on a continuous basis.
  • Medical conditions like diabetes, thyroid problems or any autoimmune disease can interfere with pregnancy in initial phase. So you may get a simple health check done to rule out any of these factors.
  • Infectious disease in mother (TORCH). These include certain deadly bacteria and virus which can destroy pregnancy in early phases. These can be ruled out after investigations.
  • Advancing maternal age and any type of stress in itself becomes a factor sometimes.

We recommend you to take some time now. Get investigated again with the help of your doctor to find out the probable cause of miscarriage.

One step to be taken before planning the next pregnancy is to get healthy so as to provide a healthy atmosphere to the fetus for development.

Steps to Health

  • Learn to deal with stress. Never let it overpower you and become symptomatic. A number of relaxation techniques and meditation would help in this regard.
  • Eat healthy, more of fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid fatty stuff.
  • Exercise daily. Tone up your muscles.
  • Take folic acid tablets daily for 3 months before conception.
  • Do not smoke. Avoid excess of stimulating drinks like coffee, tea etc.

Take Care,

Buddy M.D.

Medical Advice (Q&As) on “What Causes Early Pregnancy Miscarriage (6 Weeks Recurrent)?

  1. Tayo

    I had two miscarriages this year, first in Jan and second. @6weeks in Aug. I want to know the cause and preventive measures and I plan to try another pregnancy this year.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      This has to assessed by the doctor who has examined you. Did they tell you about the probable reason for miscarriage?

      Read above in detail about the topic.

      Reply
  2. Pricilla

    Hi Dr
    I had 2 miscarriages in a period of 6 months, and the miscarriages only happens in the first trimester, when am about 6-8 weeks pregnant! I have done a medical abortion just when my son whom I gave normal birth to was 2 years old, I couldn’t take it because the relationship was too draining. I feel bad about doing that very bad, but I would like to know if that is the cause of my miscarriages

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      The cause needs to be investigated.

      Are your pregnancy hormones at normal levels during those 6 to 8 weeks, does the ultrasound show any thing abnormal?

      Reply
  3. Swati

    I am 39 years old. This year I suffered with 2 miscarriages, both in 6-7 week of pregnancy.
    I have no health issues like diabetic,thyroid.
    I had already 6 years old son.

    Is my age is reason of miscarriage?
    Pls answer.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      During this phase of pregnancy, miscarriages are usually due to maternal causes.

      What reason did your doctor give you for the miscarriage?

      Reply
  4. Saba

    What type of tests should I do before trying for pregnancy? I’m 33+yrs old working as a teacher. I’v had 2 miscarriages within a span of 7months. Both detected in 8-10weeks. I had no symptoms of miscarriage other than that the USG shows “no cardiac activity”. In both cases I did a D&C . Plz suggest.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      What reason did your gyne give for those abortions?

      In general, early abortions are either due to baby’s genetic make up or maternal infections.

      Reply
  5. Jessica

    I have had pcos for years and im a smoker or was a smoker. I missed my period after years of having a normal period. I was told i had several eggs but were premature and i don’t ovulate. Needless to say i misscarried 2 days after i found out i was pregnant. I was 6 weeks pregnant. I worry smoking and my redbull habit contributed cause i didn’t know. Im fearful i wont be able to get pregnant again as i was so excited

    Reply

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