Why are young mothers in Chad facing rising cases of repeated miscarriages?
In N’Djamena, Chad’s capital, and several secondary cities, an alarming trend is emerging: young women in their twenties are experiencing repeated miscarriages at an increasing rate. This silent crisis poses serious medical and social challenges, exacerbated by deep-rooted taboos, inadequate awareness, and limited access to specialized care. Beyond the physical toll, the psychological and relational strain on affected couples is devastating, often leaving lasting scars.
The medical perspective: understanding the root causes
A conversation with Dr. Deubalbe Djonka Djoret, a general practitioner, sheds light on this complex issue. He defines miscarriage as the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th to 22nd week of amenorrhea (before the fifth month). Several factors can contribute to this phenomenon, including:
- Uterine abnormalities: Conditions such as uterine fibroids or cervical incompetence—where the cervix fails to support the pregnancy—can lead to miscarriage.
- Hormonal and nutritional imbalances: Disruptions in estrogen and progesterone levels, as well as deficiencies in iron or folic acid, may impair fetal development and trigger miscarriage.
- Genetic and chromosomal factors: Anomalies in genetic material or chromosomal abnormalities, particularly when the mother is Rh-negative and the father is Rh-positive, increase miscarriage risk.
- Infections: Malaria, amniotic fluid infections, syphilis, and toxoplasmosis are often overlooked but pose significant threats to pregnancy.
- Chronic diseases: Unmanaged conditions like diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and heart disease elevate miscarriage risks. Self-medication and exposure to certain medications can also harm the fetus.
Why are younger women particularly vulnerable?
Young mothers face heightened risks due to several preventable factors, according to Dr. Djonka:
- Improper medication use: Over-the-counter hormonal pills or unprescribed drugs can disrupt pregnancy.
- Risky lifestyle choices: Alcohol consumption during pregnancy or unsafe traditional practices further increase vulnerability.
The importance of early diagnosis and prevention
Early detection is critical to reducing recurrence. Unfortunately, essential diagnostic tools—such as endovaginal ultrasound cervicometry or genetic testing—remain inaccessible or underutilized in many regions.
The psychological toll of repeated miscarriages cannot be overstated. Women often grapple with depression, loss of self-esteem, and relationship strain. Dr. Djonka emphasizes the need for timely medical consultation and preconception care to identify and address risk factors before pregnancy.
He urges all expectant mothers to seek specialized care from a general practitioner or obstetrician-gynecologist early in pregnancy. For those planning a pregnancy, preconception consultations are vital for proactive risk management and healthier outcomes.
