In the inaugural episode of her podcast, MaaaNoranjan, Gauahar Khan discussed her experiences as a mother. The former model, now an actress, who is expecting her second child with her husband Zaid Darbar, opened up about her pregnancy journey with their first son Zehaan and revealed that she had experienced a miscarriage prior to his birth.

By doing so, Gauahar Khan drew attention to the necessity of breaking the stigma associated with pregnancy loss and emphasized the value of knowledge and assistance

Doctors told HT Lifestyle in an interview that many women have had a miscarriage, and that recognizing how common miscarriage is can help us foster a more compassionate and supportive community for those who have lost their pregnancies.

Miscarriage is frequent during the first trimester

"First-trimester miscarriage is far more common than most people realize, occurring in about 10 to 20% of known pregnancies," said Dr Sangita Gandhi, a consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at Jupiter Hospital in Thane.

‘First-trimester miscarriage demonstrates a reality that is experienced by most women, and even though miscarriage is normal during pregnancy, it is shrouded in silence and stigma,’ agreed Dr Sujata Rathod, consultant, obstetrician, and gynecologist at KIMS Hospitals in Thane.

Reasons for a miscarriage

"The first trimester has a brief three-month period of acute change and development throughout the pregnancy, and this is why miscarriage can occur during this transformation," said Dr. Rathod. Chromosomal abnormalities, hormone levels, or other prior medical conditions might contribute to miscarriage. Women may continue to take some steps to ensure pregnancy safety regardless of whether a miscarriage was prevented.

"Chromosomal abnormalities, which are random genetic errors that occur during fertilization, are the most common cause," Dr. Gandhi continued. Since these are often outside of anyone's control and have no bearing on the mother's health, way of life, or behavior, they are not an indication of her condition.

Lifestyle changes and managing health conditions

That said, several factors are within our reach that can support a healthy early pregnancy. Dr Gandhi said, “A balanced diet, adequate hydration, and proper rest are vital. Avoiding tobacco, alcohol, recreational drugs, and even excessive caffeine can reduce the risk. Additionally, women with underlying conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or autoimmune diseases should seek preconception counselling and work closely with their healthcare provider to optimise health before and during pregnancy.”

Dr Rathod said that women can lead a healthy lifestyle, manage chronic disease, avoid harmful substances, and seek early post-conception care. She added, “In addition to physical well-being for women, we need to establish emotional well-being for women to proclaim these processes without controversy. Education and awareness enable women in their choice of when and how to disclose early signs of a miscarriage if they experience one, and how they may seek medical advice and services.”

Prenatal care matters

Dr Gandhali Deorukhkar, consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, said, “While not all miscarriages can be prevented, proactive prenatal care plays a critical role in reducing risks.”

Dr Deorukhkar said, “Starting folic acid at least three months before conception has been shown to decrease neural tube defects and support fetal development. Women should also get screened for hormonal imbalances, infections, and uterine abnormalities — especially if they’ve experienced prior losses. Regular ultrasounds and blood tests in the early weeks can help monitor the viability of the pregnancy.”

She added that emotional support is equally important, as stress and anxiety can impact hormonal balance – and 'if a miscarriage does occur, remember that many women go on to have healthy pregnancies in the future with the right medicalguidance'. If you experience any concerning symptoms or have questions about your pregnancy, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.

Read Also: "How These 3 High-Protein, Low-Calorie Desserts Helped One Woman Shed 7 Kg"
Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!