In various neighborhoods of N’Djamena and smaller cities across Chad, the frequency of repeated miscarriages among young women in their twenties is rising, sparking growing concern. These young mothers face a deeply painful medical and social reality that often goes untreated. The consequences extend beyond physical health, deeply affecting mental well-being and relationships within families.
To uncover the root causes and consequences of these spontaneous abortions, we spoke with Dr. Deubalbe Djonka Djoret, a general practitioner.
Understanding miscarriages and their triggers
«A miscarriage, or spontaneous abortion, occurs when a pregnancy ends before the 20th or 22nd week of amenorrhea—before the fifth month,» explains Dr. Djonka. This condition, though common, can stem from multiple factors, each requiring careful attention.
Common medical causes
Dr. Djonka highlights several key contributors:
- Local factors: Conditions like uterine fibroids or cervical incompetence, where the cervix fails to support the fetus until full term, are significant risks.
- Hormonal and nutritional imbalances: Disruptions in estrogen and progesterone levels can disrupt pregnancy progression. Deficiencies in iron or folic acid may lead to fetal nervous system abnormalities and increase miscarriage risk.
- Chromosomal abnormalities: Genetic errors early in pregnancy are another frequent cause, as are Rh factor incompatibilities when the mother is Rh-negative and the father is Rh-positive.
- Infections: Diseases like malaria, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, and amniotic fluid infections pose serious, often underestimated threats during pregnancy.
- Chronic illnesses: Unmanaged conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and heart conditions elevate miscarriage risks. Self-medication and exposure to harmful substances further compound these dangers.
Why young mothers are most affected
Young women face heightened risks due to several factors:
- Improper use of hormonal medications or contraceptives.
- Engaging in high-risk behaviors, including alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
- Lack of awareness about the dangers of certain traditional practices.
Early detection and prevention: the key to change
Dr. Djonka emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis to prevent recurrence. He notes that procedures like transvaginal ultrasound cervicometry and genetic testing remain underutilized in Chad due to limited access and awareness.
Psychological toll: the invisible scars
Beyond physical health, repeated miscarriages inflict deep emotional wounds. «The emotional toll is profound, affecting both the woman and her partner. It can lead to self-doubt, anxiety, and even depression,» the doctor shares.
Expert advice for safer pregnancies
To combat these challenges, Dr. Djonka urges women to seek medical consultation as early as possible during pregnancy. He also advocates for preconception check-ups to identify and address risk factors before conception, ensuring a healthier journey to motherhood.