Understanding the tragedy of recurrent miscarriages among young mothers in Chad
In the bustling neighborhoods of N’Djamena and across various secondary cities in Chad, a distressing medical trend is emerging: a significant rise in recurrent miscarriages among women in their twenties. These young mothers are facing a painful social and clinical reality that remains largely underserved. Caught between cultural taboos, a lack of public awareness, and limited access to specialized healthcare, this phenomenon is leaving deep psychological scars and destabilizing many couples.
To shed light on the origins of these spontaneous pregnancy losses and their broader impact, we consulted Dr. Deubalbe Djonka Djoret, a general practitioner. According to the physician, a miscarriage or spontaneous abortion is defined as the loss of a fetus before the 20th or 22nd week of amenorrhea—essentially before the fifth month of pregnancy. He notes that while common, the causes are multifaceted.
Identifying the medical triggers of pregnancy loss
Dr. Djonka Djoret categorizes the primary triggers into several groups. Localized physical issues, such as uterine fibroids or cervical incompetence—where the cervix cannot remain closed to support the growing fetus—are frequent culprits. However, biological factors also play a critical role.
Hormonal and nutritional imbalances are equally significant. “A disruption in the balance of estrogen and progesterone can prevent a pregnancy from progressing normally. Furthermore, deficiencies in iron or folic acid can lead to severe nervous system malformations in the fetus, ultimately resulting in a miscarriage,” the doctor explains.
Genetic factors and Rhesus compatibility
Chromosomal anomalies, which often occur during the very first weeks of development, are another major cause. Additionally, the Rhesus factor remains a high-risk element in Chad, particularly when a Rhesus-negative mother and a Rhesus-positive father conceive, leading to potential immunological complications.
The impact of infections and chronic diseases
In the Chadian context, infectious diseases are among the most prevalent causes. Dr. Djonka Djoret highlights that Malaria, infections of the amniotic fluid, syphilis, and toxoplasmosis are dangerous threats to maternal health that often go undetected until it is too late.
Chronic health conditions also elevate the risk. Diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, kidney failure, and cardiac issues require rigorous monitoring during pregnancy. The physician also warns against the dangers of self-medication and the use of pharmaceutical products that may be toxic to the developing embryo.
Why are young mothers specifically at risk?
The specialist points to several behavioral and systemic factors affecting younger women. “We frequently see the misuse of certain medications or hormonal pills among young mothers. Additionally, risky behaviors such as alcohol consumption during pregnancy or practicing certain traditional methods without understanding the hazards contribute to the problem,” he notes.
Early diagnosis is the most effective way to prevent repeat occurrences. However, Dr. Djonka Djoret points out that essential diagnostic tools, such as endovaginal ultrasound for cervicometry or advanced genetic screening, are still difficult to access for many in Chad.
The hidden emotional toll and the path forward
Beyond the physical trauma, repeated pregnancy loss has devastating mental health consequences. The loss of a child can shatter a woman’s self-esteem and lead to severe clinical depression, often straining the bond within the couple.
To combat this silent drama, Dr. Deubalbe Djonka Djoret strongly advises expectant mothers to visit a general practitioner or an obstetrician-gynecologist as soon as they suspect they are pregnant. More importantly, he advocates for preconception consultations, allowing medical professionals to identify and mitigate risk factors before a pregnancy even begins.
