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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
07:04
A Novel Use of Three-dimensional High-frequency Ultrasonography for Early Pregnancy Characterization in the Mouse
Published on: October 24, 2017
Risk factors for early pregnancy loss
A J Wilcox1, C R Weinberg, D D Baird
1Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.
Epidemiology (Cambridge, Mass.)
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Early pregnancy loss is common, with 25% of detected pregnancies ending within six weeks. Most early pregnancy losses were unrecognized, and no specific maternal factors were definitively linked to increased risk in this study.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Obstetrics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Early pregnancy loss, often clinically unrecognized, impacts reproductive outcomes.
- Understanding risk factors for spontaneous pregnancy loss is crucial for reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of early pregnancy loss in a cohort of women.
- To explore potential associations between maternal characteristics/exposures and early pregnancy loss risk.
Main Methods:
- A study cohort of 171 women who conceived during participation.
- Biochemical pregnancy detection and follow-up for loss within six weeks of the last menstrual period.
- Analysis of maternal age, pregnancy history, weight, education, prenatal DES exposure, smoking, alcohol, and marijuana use.
Main Results:
- Twenty-five percent of biochemically detected pregnancies resulted in early loss.
- The majority of these early losses were not clinically recognized.
- No specific maternal characteristics or exposures were definitively associated with an increased risk of early pregnancy loss.
Conclusions:
- Early pregnancy loss is frequent, with most cases being subclinical.
- Further research is warranted to investigate potential, albeit unconfirmed, associations with maternal factors.
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