Friends and fellow celebrities have been offering their condolences to singer Lily Allen this week, after she tragically lost her unborn baby at the weekend. The star was six months pregnant.
This is the second time Lily has been through a miscarriage previously, losing a baby at four months in 2008.
Some reports have suggested a virus Lily contracted caused her to lose her baby. Last week, Elton John replaced Lily at the last minute for a private party, as she was said to be resting up after falling ill.
However, experts have explained that the likelihood that a virus or cold could have caused Lily to lose her baby is very low. Dr Maggie Blott, from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said it would be very unusual for a viral infection to trigger miscarriage in the second trimester.
Miscarriages and stillbirths can occur for many reasons. At this later stage they can be caused by problems in the developing foetus, which causes the mum’s body to reject it. Other reasons include problems in the mum’s body that make it difficult to carry a baby to full term.
Losing a baby after 24 weeks is generally considered a stillbirth or preterm birth. And it is uncommon as most miscarriages occur in the first three months of pregnancy. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, chat to your midwives for reassurance and know the warning signs to keep an eye out for.
If you have previously suffered a miscarriage, find out more about why it happens, if it could happen again and where to find support.
