Health Tip: Risk Factors for Miscarriage

(HealthDay News) -- Up to one in five pregnancies ends in miscarriage, a devastating result for the prospective parents and their families.

Here are some risk factors for miscarriage, courtesy of the Baystate Health system of New England:

• Infection.
• Hormonal imbalance.
• Exposure to lead or radiation.
• Drinking, drugs and smoking.
• Sexually transmitted diseases.
• Diabetes.
• Poor nutrition.

The first signs of miscarriage often are vaginal bleeding and cramping. If you''re pregnant and have either of these symptoms, talk to your doctor immediately.

-- Kimberly Sferruzzo

Last Updated: Nov. 7, 2005