The woman's endocrine system plays an extremely important role in the whole reproductive process. Disturbances in the secretion of sex hormones pose a threat to the developing pregnancy. Of greatest importance in early pregnancy is progesterone, which is considered the hormone that sustains the pregnancy. Until the third month of pregnancy, the function of the corpus luteum is extremely important. Through its hormonal activity it sustains the pregnancy until the placenta takes over this function. Failure of the corpus luteum can result in early damage to the fetal egg as well as abnormal preparation of the endometrium, preventing proper implantation and development of the embryo.

The first three months of pregnancy represent the period in which the embryo is most exposed to various teratogenic factors. This is the so-called period of organogenesis, which is the process of formation of all organs. The action of any of the adverse factors during this period can cause disruption of this process. If the fetal egg is damaged, the organism usually tries to get rid of it on its own, leading to a miscarriage.

A number of maternal illnesses, particularly in the first trimester of pregnancy, can be very detrimental to the further development of the pregnancy. Diseases with a high temperature can cause the foetal egg to detach prematurely. Viral infections such as rubella, mumps, measles, influenza and bacterial infections such as toxoplasmosis, listeriosis and others are also of great importance. Viruses and bacteria can infect the foetus, impair its development, cause it to die and eventually cause a miscarriage.

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These diseases become particularly dangerous when they are accompanied by a high temperature. Many of the drugs used during treatment for these infections have a teratogenic effect on the foetus. It is therefore extremely important to establish or rule out pregnancy before treating these diseases. This is because often women in early pregnancy come into contact with, or suffer from, the above diseases without yet knowing that they are pregnant. Diseases such as diabetes, kidney or thyroid disease can also adversely affect the development of the foetus, leading to miscarriage.

Abnormalities of any kind in the embryo caused by factors such as chromosomal abnormalities in the foetus, malformations, serological conflicts, defects in the umbilical cord or abnormalities of the developing placenta can cause the foetus to die and miscarry.

The age of the woman is also very important for the normal course of the pregnancy. Studies show that miscarriages occur much more frequently in women over 38 years of age. The risk of miscarriage also increases when a pregnancy is created in as a result of in vitro fertilisation and in multifetal pregnancies.

A very important factor affecting pregnancy cannot be forgotten: the psychological factor. A positive attitude during pregnancy, the desire to have a child and the avoidance of stressful situations undoubtedly have a great impact on the success of the pregnancy. The support of the partner and loved ones allows the pregnant woman to achieve the peace of mind that is so necessary during pregnancy.