With so many myths surrounding pregnancy loss, it can be difficult to separate the facts from fiction. Here are some of the most common miscarriage myths – debunked.

Myth 1:

Once you've miscarried, you will have difficulty carrying your next baby to term.

Fact: Single miscarriages, which account for around 80 percent of all miscarriages, are actually relatively common. The vast majority of women with isolated miscarriage go on to have a successful pregnancy the next time.

Myth 2:

There must be something you could have done to prevent a miscarriage.

Fact: The majority of miscarriages cannot be prevented because they involve serious serious chromosomal abnormalities or birth defects that would make it impossible for the baby to survive. These genetic defects occur during development of the specific egg or sperm, and therefore are not likely to occur again.

Some miscarriages, however, do have an underlying cause that can be treated or prevented. Most of the women who suffer from recurring miscarriages as a result of an underlying medical condition go on to have successful pregnancies after treatment. For example, in cases where miscarriage was caused by a hormonal imbalance that interferes with the ability of the uterus to support the growing embryo (luteal phase defect), this can be treated with a hormone called progesterone to help prevent subsequent miscarriages. Other possible ways to prevent miscarriage are to treat any existing genital infetions, eat a well-balanced diet, and refrain from smoking and using recreational drugs.