During which trimester is the risk of miscarriage highest?

The first trimester is indeed when the risk of miscarriage is highest, particularly within the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. During this time, significant physiological changes occur as the body adapts to pregnancy, and the development of the embryo is particularly vulnerable. Many miscarriages during this period are attributed to chromosomal abnormalities, which are often incompatible with life, leading to a natural termination of the pregnancy.

The risk gradually decreases as the pregnancy progresses into the second and third trimesters. By the time a woman reaches the second trimester, the rates of miscarriage drop significantly, and further reduction occurs during the third trimester as the fetus develops and becomes more viable outside the womb. Understanding these timelines is crucial for practitioners working with pregnant women to provide appropriate support and care during this sensitive period.