Breasts may return to their prepregnancy state, for example, or the woman may lose a few pounds. Not all missed miscarriages are preceded by warning signs. These procedures not only clear the uterus but also prevent infection. When incomplete miscarriage occurs later in pregnancy, the doctor may have to induce labor to remove the fetus. There are, however, steps you can take to reduce the risk of losing a pregnancy.
Smoking increases the risk of losing a genetically normal baby.
One study showed that women who smoked more than 14 cigarettes a day were about twice as likely to miscarry, regardless of their age or use of alcoholic beverages. The risk of losing a pregnancy increases with the number of cigarettes a woman smokes. On the other hand, giving up smoking at any time during the pregnancy will benefit the baby. Since passive smoke is also dangerous, it's wisest if no one in your household smokes during the pregnancy. Don't drink alcoholic beverages or much caffeine.