Most miscarriages can't be prevented. Experts say most miscarriages happen because of a problem with the baby’s chromosomes. This means the pregnancy cannot develop properly.
You can do the following things to reduce your risk of miscarriage:
- not smoking during pregnancy
- not drinking alcohol during pregnancy
- eating a healthy and balanced diet every day
- avoiding certain foods during pregnancy
- being a healthy weight before you get pregnant
- taking steps to avoid infections
Hand-washing
Wash hands carefully, especially:
- before eating, drinking and preparing food
- after going to the toilet, helping a child toilet or changing a baby's nappy
Condoms
Wear a condom during sex if:
- you or your partner have other partners
- your male partner has any symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) - such as a rash or blisters on his penis or discharge from the tip of his penis.
Get treated quickly
Always go to your GP or obstetrician if you have symptoms of:
- a urinary tract infection
- bacterial vaginosis
- a sexually transmitted infection
If these infections are treated quickly, it may reduce your risk of miscarriage.