A number of doctors in Kabul told Salam Watandar that chromosomal disorders are among the leading causes of miscarriage — an issue that doctors describe as a silent risk for pregnant women.
According to them miscarriage is a phenomenon influenced by various factors such as chromosomal disorders , hereditary diseases, maternal physical weaknesses, lack of access to health centers, poverty, first pregnancies, and failure of women to visit a doctor during pregnancy. Doctors warn that the combination of these factors not only endangers the lives of mothers but also negatively affects the future of many newborns.
Nasima Habibi, a gynecologist and obstetrician in Kabul, told Salam Watandar that chromosomal disorders, uterine and bladder infections, anemia, and poor nutrition are the main causes of miscarriage.
“Chromosomal disorders are among the most important causes of miscarriage. In addition, infections, viruses like rubella, anemia, poor nutrition, and even direct or indirect trauma during pregnancy can cause miscarriage.” she explains
Meanwhile, Sunita Bahram, another doctor, says that the number of patients visiting her clinic indicates that four to five out of every ten pregnant women suffer from conditions such as blood microbes and infections, which can increase the risk of miscarriage. She says,
“Based on our assessments, out of every ten women, four to five suffer from various diseases, such as blood infections or blood viruses, including zoonotic infections, plasma microbes, syphilis, rubella, and lack of vaccination. These problems affect most mothers who experience miscarriage.”
At the same time, Atefa Barakzai, another gynecologist and obstetrician, says that in addition to the main factors, psychological and social pressures can make women even more vulnerable than the diseases themselves. She adds,
“When a woman experiences a miscarriage, instead of receiving support, she is often blamed by her family for being unable to have children. This blame can increase her anxiety and depression and may even contribute to further miscarriages or infertility. Women need anti-anxiety medication and emotional support after a miscarriage.”
Some women who have experienced miscarriage shared their experiences with Salam Watandar. Shafiqa Zahedi, 45-year-old from Ghazni, who has had four miscarriages, said,
“My children miscarried after seven or eight months. After each miscarriage, my spirit was broken. At first, the doctor did not understand; then I went to another doctor who said my blood was infected. But after treatment, I was able to have children again.”
Marziya, a 33-year-old woman from Kabul who has been married for 12 years and had four miscarriages, also says,
“The miscarriage was due to fetal growth issues, according to the doctor’s consultation. I miscarried, and after losing my children, my mental state has not been good. I always cry and regret not praying or asking God’s help.”
Meanwhile, Tayyeba, who has had three miscarriages, considers economic problems, psychological stress, and consanguineous marriage as the main causes of her miscarriages.
“My main problem is a consanguineous marriage, and the doctor said it could be a genetic problem. But my family paid no attention when I miscarried the first time, especially my mother-in-law, who blamed me for not wanting my child to be born.” she says.
Psychologists also take the psychological consequences of miscarriage seriously. Zahra Hassani, a psychologist, says women who experience miscarriage are more likely to face depression and anxiety. She says,
“Women go through five stages after a miscarriage: first shock, second anger, third bargaining, fourth depression, and fifth acceptance. Husbands should show empathy. If this support does not happen and the family blames or ignores them, their depression worsens and they may even attempt suicide.”
Sayed Rohullah Rezwani, another psychologist also says, “All women who experience miscarriage first suffer grief and a sense of loss. Whether the miscarriage was unwanted or forced, it affects the severity of psychological consequences. In most cases, this experience comes with deep sadness and grief, which can lead to depression.”
Some religious scholars also say that if the fetus is less than four months old and the mother’s life is at risk, abortion is permissible. Mawlawi Abdul Ahad Ateed, a religious scholar, states,
“When the fetus or pregnancy is less than four months old, and 120 days have not passed since gestation, and it is in a state of blood or flesh, there is a danger to the mother or the pregnancy. Scholars have issued a fatwa stating that, in this case, abortion is permissible. If the pregnancy has passed four months and the soul has been breathed into the fetus, abortion is not permissible.”
According to doctors, miscarriage is not just a medical issue; various social, cultural, economic, and psychological factors influence it. Emotional pressures from family neglect and traditional beliefs cause miscarriage to have serious psychological impacts on women.
Reporter: Zarafshan Sharifi
