Across N’Djamena and secondary cities in Chad, an alarming rise in repeated miscarriages among young mothers in their twenties is raising serious concerns. These women face a dual burden—medical and emotional—yet this issue remains under-discussed and poorly addressed. Stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to specialized care deepen the crisis, leading to profound psychological strain and relationship strain within families.
The root causes of these spontaneous abortions are complex, spanning hormonal imbalances, anatomical defects, and systemic health challenges. To shed light on this silent epidemic, we spoke with Dr. Deubalbe Djonka Djoret, a general practitioner with extensive experience in maternal health.
What constitutes a miscarriage?
A miscarriage, or spontaneous abortion, occurs when a pregnancy ends before the 20th to 22nd week of amenorrhea—before the fifth month, according to medical standards.
Key causes of repeated miscarriages in Chad
Dr. Djonka highlights several contributing factors, including:
- Anatomical issues: Conditions like uterine fibroids or cervical incompetence—where the cervix fails to support the fetus until term—can lead to early pregnancy loss.
- Hormonal and nutritional deficiencies: Imbalances between estrogen and progesterone, as well as deficiencies in iron or folic acid, can disrupt fetal development and trigger miscarriages. Folic acid deficiency, in particular, increases the risk of neural tube defects.
- Genetic and blood group incompatibilities: Chromosomal anomalies or Rh factor conflicts—when a mother is Rh-negative and the father is Rh-positive—can pose significant risks.
- Infections: Malaria, amniotic fluid infections, syphilis, and toxoplasmosis are often overlooked but highly dangerous during pregnancy. These conditions are widespread in Chad and require urgent attention.
- Chronic illnesses: Untreated conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or heart disease can heighten miscarriage risks. Self-medication and exposure to fetotoxic drugs further amplify these dangers.
Why are young mothers in Chad especially vulnerable?
Young women often face heightened risks due to:
- Improper use of hormonal contraceptives or medications.
- Engaging in high-risk behaviors, such as consuming alcohol during pregnancy or relying on uninformed traditional practices.
The need for early detection and prevention
Timely diagnosis is critical to preventing recurrent miscarriages. Dr. Djonka emphasizes that advanced screenings—such as endovaginal ultrasound cervicometry or genetic testing—are often inaccessible or underutilized in Chad. These tools could identify risks early and guide effective interventions.
The emotional toll of repeated miscarriages is just as devastating. Women and their partners frequently experience profound psychological distress, including loss of self-worth and depression. Dr. Djonka stresses that the trauma extends beyond physical health, affecting mental well-being and family stability.
Expert advice for safer pregnancies
To mitigate these risks, Dr. Djonka recommends:
- Seeking immediate medical care from a general practitioner or obstetrician-gynecologist at the onset of pregnancy.
- Opting for preconception counseling to identify and address potential risk factors before conception.
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