How to Prevent Miscarriage

If you’re scouring every corner of the internet, searching for things like “how to prevent miscarriage” and “things to avoid during pregnancy that cause miscarriage,” take a deep breath. It’s completely normal to want to do everything in your power to protect your pregnancy. However, it’s crucial to understand right from the start: most miscarriages are not caused by anything you do or don’t do, and there are no specific strategies or guaranteed ways to prevent miscarriage for sure.

The reality is that the vast majority of miscarriages happen because of factors completely outside of human control, most often random chromosomal changes that occur during early development.

And so in this article, we’re going to gently walk through what miscarriage risk actually looks like, the factors that may play a role, and the realistic, supportive ways you can care for yourself and reduce your risk during early pregnancy. While we cannot offer any guarantees of what will or will not lead to miscarriage, we can help you make informed choices for your health and your pregnancy.

What Causes a Miscarriage?

When a pregnancy ends early, the immediate question is almost always "Why?" And to answer that question as gently as possible, the cause of early miscarriage is usually that the pregnancy was not viable from the very beginning. 

In more than 60% of early pregnancy losses, it comes down to chromosomal abnormalities. This means that during the complex process of fertilization, the embryo received too many or too few chromosomes. This happens by chance, and it’s nature's way of stopping a pregnancy that could not survive. It isn’t caused by stress, working out, having sex, or taking birth control in the past; it’s caused by random biological events that are completely outside of your control. 

However, while chromosomal issues are the most common cause of early pregnancy loss, there are other factors that can sometimes contribute to early pregnancy loss, too. 

This includes:

• Hormonal imbalances (such as insufficient progesterone levels)

• Structural differences in the shape of the uterus

• Certain untreated infections

There are also certain risk factors that can increase the overall likelihood of miscarriage. Again, just because you might fall into one of these groups, that doesn’t mean you’ll experience a loss. It simply means that statistically, the risk may be slightly higher compared to the general population.

The following risk factors include: 

• Age: The risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases as we get older, particularly after age 35.

• Previous miscarriage: Having two or more consecutive miscarriages slightly increases the risk for future pregnancies.

• Health conditions: Unmanaged conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, or autoimmune disorders can play a role.

If you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you may also face a slightly higher risk due to hormonal imbalances. If you have already been diagnosed with PCOS, supporting your hormonal health before conception is one of the best ways to prepare your body for pregnancy. In addition to taking a prenatal vitamin, PCOS Supplements can be a supportive addition to your routine, helping to balance hormones as part of a broader care plan. 

Can You Prevent a Miscarriage?

If you’re pregnant, it’s normal to worry and wonder, “What can I do to prevent miscarriage?” But the honest answer is that even if you do everything “right,” most miscarriages cannot be prevented. There is no magic pill, perfect diet, or strict resting regimen that can resolve a chromosomal abnormality.

So when we talk about miscarriage prevention, we are really talking about reducing risk where possible, not controlling outcomes. It’s all about creating the most supportive environment for a pregnancy to thrive, while accepting that the final outcome is often out of our hands. 

Doing some, or even all, of the supportive steps below does not mean a miscarriage can always be prevented, and experiencing a loss after following this guidance does not mean you failed.

How to Reduce Risk of Miscarriage

So, what can you do to support a healthy pregnancy? 

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent miscarriage, there are still evidence-based steps that may help reduce certain risks and support your overall health and well-being, and, by extension, your pregnancy.

Lifestyle Recommendations

Avoid Harmful Substances

One of the most direct ways to support a developing pregnancy is to avoid substances that can interfere with fetal growth. That means avoiding smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs entirely. It’s also wise to try to limit your exposure to secondhand smoke whenever possible, as environmental toxins can impact early development. 

Maintain a Balanced Diet

Nourishing your body is a beautiful way to care for yourself during pregnancy. A great way to do this is by eating a balanced diet filled with a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. You don’t need to follow a restrictive or perfect diet; just aim for colorful, nutrient-dense meals that give you energy and support your changing body.

Moderate Caffeine Intake

You don’t have to give up your morning cup of coffee completely, but caffeine moderation is essential in early pregnancy, as high caffeine consumption has been linked to an increased risk of pregnancy loss. Current guidance recommends limiting your caffeine intake to under 200 milligrams per day (about one 12-ounce cup of coffee) aiming for moderate amounts rather than cutting everything out abruptly if that feels too difficult. 

If you’re actively trying to conceive (TTC) following a miscarriage and looking for a comforting, warm alternative to your second cup of coffee, our own Mira Fertility Tea can be a lovely addition to your daily well-being routine. Just note that it’s designed to be used during the TTC phase only, not during pregnancy. 

Stay Active

Unless your healthcare provider has specifically advised you to go on bed rest, staying active is generally very healthy during pregnancy. 

That doesn’t mean you need to do intense workouts or push yourself beyond your limits. Instead, choose gentle activities that feel comfortable and supportive for your body, such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga. Always listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself to exhaustion.

Prioritize Rest

Growing a human takes an incredible amount of energy, especially in the first trimester. To support both your physical and emotional well-being, prioritize rest and sleep, and allow yourself to slow down when you need to. 

If you feel deeply fatigued, that is your body asking for rest. It’s okay to honor that request without guilt. Your body needs you to listen. 

Follow Pregnancy Safety Guidance

Foodborne illnesses like Listeria and Salmonella can pose risks during pregnancy. To protect your health and the health of your pregnancy, make sure to follow standard food safety guidance, including washing your products thoroughly, making sure all meats are cooked to safe internal temperatures, and avoiding unpasteurized dairy products and deli meats to reduce the risk of infections.

Some pregnancy food precautions are widely known, while others can be more surprising. The table below highlights common foods and substances that are generally recommended to avoid or limit during early pregnancy.

Seek Emotional Support

Your mental well-being matters just as much as your physical health during pregnancy. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, always seek emotional support, whether from a partner, a trusted friend, a support group, or a healthcare professional. Anxiety is incredibly common in early pregnancy, and you don’t have to carry it alone.

Pre-Medical Recommendations

Consider Prenatal Vitamins

While there are no specific supplements or vitamins to prevent miscarriage for sure, you should still take a daily prenatal vitamin. Look for one with adequate folic acid (or folate), which is crucial for neural tube development, and vitamin D if recommended by your provider. 

Starting these before conception is recommended, but it is never “too late” to begin once you discover you’re pregnant.

Review Medications and Supplements

Before or during early pregnancy, make sure to talk with a healthcare provider about any prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or herbal supplements you take. Some common medications are not recommended during pregnancy, and your provider can help you find safe alternatives that will work best for your body. 

Medical Recommendations

Attend Medical Appointments

Even when everything seems to be going smoothly, it’s important to always attend all of your prenatal and medical appointments during pregnancy. These visits allow your healthcare team to monitor your progress, answer your questions, and pick up on any potential concerns as early as possible. 

Manage Health Conditions

If you have existing health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid disorders, it’s important to keep your healthcare provider in the loop and make sure to always follow their advice. Keeping chronic conditions well-controlled is one of the most effective ways to support a healthy pregnancy.

Precautions During Early Pregnancy to Avoid Miscarriage

It’s easy to become hyperaware of every movement, symptom, or daily choice during early pregnancy, especially if you’re worried about miscarriage. 

However, while it’s important to take certain precautions, you don’t need to live in a bubble. You can still go to work, move your body, spend time with loved ones, and continue most normal daily activities throughout your pregnancy. 

It’s also important to avoid falling into the trap of viewing everyday activities as “dangerous.” Walking up stairs, lifting a toddler, or having a stressful day at work will not cause a miscarriage. 

Instead, treat your body with kindness, not fear, by: 

• Maintaining balanced daily habits. 

• Staying active with gentle, pregnancy-safe movements. 

• Resting when your body asks for it. 

• Staying connected to your prenatal care team and asking questions when you have them. 

If you’re not pregnant yet, but you’re thinking about trying to conceive, learning more about your hormone health before pregnancy can sometimes be helpful. For example, Mira’s own Panorama Lab Test can provide you with a more in-depth look at your key fertility and hormone markers, giving you information you can discuss with your doctor to help support your hormonal health before conception. 

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When Medical Treatment Can Help

While chromosomal abnormalities cannot be prevented or treated, some other causes of miscarriage can sometimes be medically managed with the right support and care.

For example, if you have a history of miscarriage and experience bleeding during a new pregnancy, your healthcare provider may recommend progesterone supplementation to help support the pregnancy. Certain underlying conditions, such as thyroid disorders or antiphospholipid syndrome (a blood-clotting disorder), can also often be treated and monitored successfully throughout pregnancy.

The important thing to remember is that you don’t have to navigate this alone. Rather than trying to self-diagnose or self-treat, work closely with your healthcare provider. They can evaluate your individual medical history and recommend the most appropriate care for your specific situation.

When to Call Your Healthcare Provider

If something feels off or you’re worried about your pregnancy, it’s always okay to reach out to your healthcare provider. 

You are never “overreacting” by asking questions, seeking reassurance, or getting your symptoms checked out. Trusting your instincts and staying connected to your care team is an important part of caring for yourself during pregnancy.

As a rule of thumb, always reach out to your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following at any time during pregnancy: 

• Heavy vaginal bleeding (such as soaking through a pad in an hour)

• Severe or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain

• Fever or chills

• Dizziness, fainting, or significant weakness

• A sudden or concerning change in your pregnancy symptoms

Even if your symptoms turn out to be normal, you still deserve support and reassurance. Pregnancy can come with a lot of uncertainty, and you should never feel embarrassed about seeking medical advice when you need it.

Emotional Wellbeing Matters Too

Early pregnancy can bring a lot of anxiety, especially if you’ve experienced loss before or waited a long time to become pregnant. During this time, it’s important to lean on your support systems. Talk to someone you trust, ask for help when you need it, and give yourself permission to slow down emotionally as well as physically. 

Most importantly, remember this: stress, worry, or anxiety does not cause miscarriage. You are allowed to feel your feelings without fearing that your emotions will somehow harm your pregnancy.

If you feel overwhelmed or simply want more personalized guidance, having someone knowledgeable to talk to can make a real difference. If you’re not sure where to turn, we offer compassionate, 1:1 Certified Hormone & Fertility Support in our virtual hormone health clinic here at Mira. We would love to answer any questions you have about early pregnancy and help ease some of the emotional weight you might be dealing with. 

A Gentle Reminder Before You Go

If you take anything away from this article, let it be this: miscarriage is more common than you might think, and it’s rarely caused by something we did or didn’t do. 

You don’t have to carry the weight of impossible responsibility on your shoulders. What you can do, though, is to take care of yourself by eating well, resting, taking your daily prenatal vitamins, attending all your checkups, and contacting your doctor as soon as possible if something doesn’t feel right. 

These are the very best things you can do for yourself and your pregnancy, and that’s enough. 

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Prevent Miscarriage

What causes miscarriage in early pregnancy?

Most early miscarriages are caused by random chromosomal abnormalities that cannot be prevented. You can only reduce overall risk by caring for your general health and avoiding harmful substances.

What are the best ways to reduce the risk of miscarriage during pregnancy?

While miscarriage cannot always be prevented, healthy habits can help lower your risk. That includes focusing on prenatal care, taking folic acid, avoiding smoking and alcohol, limiting caffeine, managing chronic conditions, and speaking with your doctor if you have any concerns or if something feels off. 

Is there anything one can do to prevent miscarriage?

Most miscarriages cannot be prevented, especially when caused by chromosomal abnormalities. However, by supporting your overall health and avoiding known risk factors, you can create the best possible environment for a healthy pregnancy. 

Can you stop a miscarriage?

Unfortunately, most miscarriages cannot be stopped once they begin. While this can feel incredibly painful and helpless, miscarriage is rarely caused by everyday actions or choices, and most early pregnancy losses happen because the pregnancy was not developing normally from the start. 

How to prevent miscarriage in first month?

During the first month of pregnancy, focus on foundational health habits like taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid, avoiding harmful substances, limiting caffeine, staying hydrated, and prioritizing rest. It’s also important to speak with your doctor about any medications or chronic health conditions.