It can be difficult to know how to avoid miscarriage, but often there are warning signs. You need to react quickly if you experience any of the signs. Miscarriages happen most often within the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. The causes are often unknown, but can commonly be chromosomal, meaning there was something not right with the baby's chromosomes. Here are a few warning signs to look out for that may, though not necessarily so, indicate the onset of a miscarriage.

1. Back pain, mild to severe and perhaps worse than the usual pain of menstrual cramps. should be investigated. Contact you doctor and make an appointment.

2. Any bleeding from the vagina during pregnancy is not normal, and suggests the possibility of miscarriage. Again, speak to your doctor. Some spotting and bleeding in early pregnancy can occur, and some pregnancies continue with full success. However, you should investigate any abnormal vaginal bleeding.

3. Don't smoke or drink alcohol during your pregnancy. This should be obvious, but too many women ignore the evidence that smoking and drinking, especially during pregnancy, is dangerous and can lead to miscarriage.

Some miscarriages can't be avoided. They are due to natural abnormalities, or something else beyond your control. However, there are certain actions you can take to minimize the likelihood of a miscarriage, or prevent a threatened miscarriage happening. There's no definitive way of how to avoid a miscarriage -- just keep a sensible attitude and stay vigilant.