Understanding the rising trend of recurrent miscarriages among young mothers in Chad
In neighborhoods across N’Djamena and smaller cities throughout Chad, the growing number of cases involving repeated miscarriages among women in their twenties is sparking serious concern. These young mothers are grappling with a dual burden: a medical challenge that remains widely unaddressed and a social stigma that compounds their emotional distress. Without proper awareness, timely medical access, or specialized care, the ripple effects extend far beyond physical health—impacting mental well-being, relationships, and family stability.
Medical insights from a leading general practitioner
To shed light on this silent crisis, we spoke with Dr. Deubalbe Djonka Djoret, a respected general practitioner with deep experience in maternal health.
What constitutes a miscarriage and why does it happen?
According to Dr. Djonka, “A miscarriage refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th or 22nd week of amenorrhea—typically before the fifth month.” He emphasizes that while miscarriages are relatively common, their frequency and recurrence in young women signal deeper underlying issues that require attention.
Root causes: from structural to systemic factors
The specialist identifies several key categories of causes:
- Uterine and cervical issues: Conditions such as uterine fibroids or cervical incompetence—where the cervix fails to stay closed during pregnancy—can lead to repeated pregnancy loss.
- Hormonal and nutritional imbalances: Disruptions in estrogen and progesterone levels or deficiencies in iron and folic acid may impair fetal development and trigger miscarriages.
- Genetic and chromosomal anomalies: Errors in early fetal development, including Rh incompatibility when the mother is Rh-negative and the father is Rh-positive, increase miscarriage risk.
- Infectious diseases: Malaria, amniotic fluid infections, syphilis, and toxoplasmosis are major yet often overlooked threats during pregnancy.
- Chronic health conditions: Unmanaged diabetes, hypertension, kidney, or heart disease significantly elevate risk, as do certain medications and self-medication practices.
Why are young mothers more vulnerable?
Dr. Djonka points to lifestyle and healthcare access factors specific to younger women:
- Misuse of hormonal contraceptives or emergency pills without medical guidance.
- Risky behaviors such as alcohol consumption during pregnancy or unsafe traditional practices.
- Delayed or inadequate prenatal care due to limited resources or lack of awareness.
Overcoming barriers to prevention and care
The road to prevention begins with early diagnosis. “Tests like transvaginal ultrasound cervicometry or genetic analysis are essential to identify risk factors,” says Dr. Djonka. However, these tools remain scarce or underutilized in many parts of Chad, particularly outside major urban centers.
The emotional toll: more than just physical loss
The psychological impact of recurrent miscarriages is profound. Women often experience profound grief, feelings of failure, and depression. Relationships may suffer as couples struggle to cope with the emotional weight of infertility and loss. “The trauma doesn’t just affect the mother—it reshapes entire family dynamics,” explains the physician.
A call for proactive reproductive health in Chad
Dr. Djonka urges all women of childbearing age to prioritize reproductive health planning. He recommends:
- Preconception consultations: Identify and correct risk factors before pregnancy occurs.
- Early prenatal care: Schedule a medical visit immediately upon confirming pregnancy.
- Partnership with healthcare providers: Choose a general practitioner or obstetrician-gynecologist for consistent, personalized monitoring.
By fostering greater awareness, improving access to specialized diagnostics, and promoting responsible health behaviors, Chad can begin to turn the tide on this silent reproductive health crisis.
