Obesity
Obesity not only makes it harder to become pregnant, but it can also increase the chances that a pregnancy goes on longer than its expected due date, and it can increase one’s chances of a miscarriage.
What can be done
If you do have an excessive amount of body fat but would like to become pregnant, it’s important to speak to a doctor and nutritionist early about healthy ways to lose weight before becoming pregnant and continuing to pursue a healthy body weight during pregnancy, since normal diets may be dangerous during pregnancy.
Genetic abnormalities
Our bodies have intelligent systems built into them that we know little about. In some cases, if a fetus would have developed a genetic abnormality such as cystic fibrosis or Down syndrome, the body cancels the pregnancy.
What can be done
Women who suffer two or more miscarriages should speak to their OBGYN about seeking out a specialist who can help identify if a genetic abnormality is causing these miscarriages. If that is the case, alternative methods like surrogate mothers may be advised.
A sperm delivery problem
If a man’s sperm cannot deliver complete DNA to an egg, a miscarriage may occur. Essentially, the egg does not have all of the information it needs to develop. The medical term for this is sperm DNA fragmentation.
What can be done
Sperm DNA fragmentation is common in men who smoke, take antidepressants, have undergone chemotherapy and a few other possible factors. Special clinics can screen for the issue.
