The Relationship Between Breastfeeding During Early Pregnancy and Miscarriage

Plain-language summary

Breastfeeding provides various health and psychological benefits to mothers and their babies. It also acts as an effective method of natural contraception when applied strictly for up to six months after birth. Studies show that breastfeeding times are getting longer in the USA and more babies are breastfed for more than 12 months compared to the past. Recent research shows that 57% of US infants are breastfed until at least six months of age, and more than a third continue to be breastfed for up to 12 months. Prolonged breastfeeding durations increase the prevalence of breastfeeding during pregnancy, especially with the shortening of the intervals between pregnancies. Breastfeeding during pregnancy is a relatively common practice in many parts of the world. According to the data of studies conducted in low- and middle-income countries, it has been determined that 35% of the last born babies continue to be breastfed in the next pregnancy of their mothers. It has also been shown that the prevalence of breastfeeding during pregnancy in low-income countries is between 15% and 50%. Few research has been done on the relationship between breastfeeding during pregnancy and maternal, infant, or pregnancy outcomes. Some studies have suggested that hormonal mechanisms in pregnancy may link breastfeeding during pregnancy and abortion. When babies stimulate the nipple and areola during sucking, they trigger the release of oxytocin in the mother, causing a series of reactions that push the milk towards the nipple. We know that the prevalence of short and long breastfeeding intervals in pregnancy is high in our country. Therefore, in this study, we are planning to investigate whether there is a relationship between breastfeeding during pregnancy and miscarriage based on this information.

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