Factors that do not increase the risk of miscarriage

It is normal to wonder whether you have done something to cause a miscarriage. It may be reassuring to know that miscarriage is not caused by:

• The mother's emotional state or a sudden fright.
• Sexual intercourse.
• Exercise.
• A single diagnostic X-ray or total radiation exposure of less than 5 rad (discuss this with your radiologist or health professional).¹
• Working or lifting heavy objects.
• A fall or a blow to the abdomen, unless severe.
• Diet. There is no conclusive evidence that a diet moderately lacking in nutrients causes miscarriage. Also, the nausea and vomiting (morning sickness) of early pregnancy do not cause miscarriage.
• High folic acid intake. Despite initial concern among experts about miscarriage risk, research has shown that folic acid may actually help prevent miscarriage.²
• Exposure to computer monitors.³
• The use of electric blankets or heated water beds.³

Citations

1. Cunningham FG, et al. (2005). General considerations and maternal evaluation. In Williams Obstetrics, 22nd ed., pp. 973–986. New York: McGraw-Hill.

2. George L, et al. (2002). Plasma folate levels and risk of spontaneous abortion. JAMA, 288(15): 1867–1873.

3. Speroff L, Fritz MA (2005). Recurrent early pregnancy loss. In Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Infertility, 7th ed., pp. 1069–1101. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.