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to discontinue.
Obesity: risk of pregnancy loss is
higher with Body mass index (BMI)
>30 and worse when >40. Weight loss
strongly advocated prior to conception
with use of diet and exercise and in
extreme cases even surgery.
Caffeine: no studies have directly
implicated caffeine but noted a
modest increase in persons drinking >
2 cups/day.
Ionizing radiation: In modern
times with use of nuclear energy,
studies on atomic bomb survivors
showed that high exposure to high
doses of radiation increased risk of
spontaneous abortions, premature
deliveries and stillbirths and patients
using large doses(360-500rad) for
therapy especially cancer cases induces
abortion in offspring. Doses used for
diagnostic procedures less than 5 rad
are not teratogenic (does not cause
abnormalities in the foetus).
Pesticides, dust and other
environmental pollutants can increase
miscarriage rate and the idea is
identified as a potential risk factor.
Exposure to them should be limited
prior to and during pregnancy.
Prognosis
As discussed earlier the most
challenging aspect is the psychological
aspect and if a treatable cause can be
identified then correct it but more
often than not good counseling
will result in a good outcome in
subsequent pregnancies. No major
tests or investigations required in
couples with a history of a single loss.
I hope this article has been of use and
looking forward to chatting with you
next time on this column.
Dr. Maureen Owiti is a practicing
Obstetrician Gynaecologist and fertility
consultant. You can commune with her
on this or related matters via email at:
[email protected].