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Finding a Link

Finding a Link Between
Stress and Miscarriage

By Kelly Burgess

Grandle did not identify herself as having a particularly stressful life before her miscarriages, but researchers are recognizing that there are two facets to the link between stress and miscarriage. One is that a stressful life can contribute to miscarriage. The other is that the stress of multiple miscarriages can make subsequent miscarriages more likely. A 2004 study published in New Scientist, concluded that stress releases a "cascade of hormones" that can lead to spontaneous abortion. It followed 864 pregnant women – 55 of whom miscarried. Those who miscarried were more likely to have identified themselves as experiencing stress before or during pregnancy.

"We don't know it, but it's fair to say that the daily stress probably affects most of our bodily systems, including the reproductive tract," says Dr. Leondires. "There is data from research showing that stress can lead to menstrual dysfunction, which would indicate a probable link between stress and either infertility or miscarriage."

Dr. Leondires emphasizes that there are many known causes of miscarriage that have nothing to do with stress. In addition, a definitive cause for miscarriage can be found in only about 40 percent of cases. Still, the research on the link between stress and miscarriage is valid and ongoing. "As a group, we recognize that stress has an impact on our lives," he says. "The problem is that everyone's perception of stress is different, and how a person's body reacts to stress is very individual. These studies are important in helping us to better understand the relationship between stress and infertility."

From the outside looing in, it may seem like identifying stress is a no-brainer. However, as Dr. Leondires points out, not everyone has their own perception of what is stressful. In addition, many studies conducted on stress note that even "good" stress is still stress. For example, it may be exciting to move into a new home, but moving is very stressful. Marriage is a good thing, but starting a new life with someone is also stressful. Likewise, having a child is a joyful but stressful experience.

In addition, there are different types of stress. The three mentioned above are more emotional stressors. Other types of stress are more physical, such as not getting enough sleep, having no down time or not exercising. Negative emotional stress can come from a difficult job or family situation. In these times, life itself can be stressful. Even Dr. Leondires admits that the computer, pagers, mobile phones and other technology that keeps him constantly in touch tends more to stress him out than free up his time. "It seems like all these things should help you do more work in less time, but in fact, what's going on is that we're supposed to do more work in that time," he says. "When a person sent a letter in 1950, it was a process. You had to write the letter – often by hand – put it in the envelope, find a stamp and walk it to the mailbox. It was almost relaxing to send someone a letter. Not anymore. We're now expected to do more in an hour than people in 1950 were expected to do in three." The result is that people are in overdrive all the time, and their bodies never have a chance to just idle.