Doctors at al-Awda Hospital in Gaza are reporting a significant increase in miscarriages, with approximately 70 percent of pregnancy losses now linked to the ongoing war and blockade. The escalating trauma, widespread malnutrition, and the collapse of the healthcare system are cited as primary drivers of this devastating trend.

For years, Nuha Abu Lebda, a Gaza resident, nurtured the dream of motherhood. However, the protracted conflict has inflicted repeated loss, with Abu Lebda experiencing three miscarriages since the war began in October 2023. These losses followed periods of intense air strikes, displacement, constant fear, and a severe lack of adequate medical care.

"I miscarried because of the air strikes, the displacement, the difficult conditions, the lack of clean water and malnutrition," Abu Lebda told Al Jazeera. Despite her efforts, including selling possessions to afford necessary medical treatments, she was unable to carry her pregnancies to term. "When I lost my baby, I was exhausted. I woke up hoping my baby was still inside me. But the dream I carried for 10 years was gone."

The implications of this surge in miscarriages extend beyond individual tragedies, highlighting the profound impact of the conflict on Gaza's population, particularly its women. The collapsing health infrastructure further exacerbates the situation, leaving many without the necessary care to manage pregnancies under such extreme duress.

Medical officials emphasize that the war's toll on pregnant women is multifaceted. Beyond the direct impact of trauma and stress, malnutrition weakens women's bodies, making them more vulnerable to pregnancy complications. The constant displacement and lack of safe shelter add further layers of physical and psychological strain.

Abu Lebda's story is echoed by many other women in Gaza who have faced similar heart-wrenching experiences, including premature births and the loss of newborns. The struggle for survival amid bombardments, hunger, and a decimated healthcare system has created an environment where carrying a pregnancy to term has become a perilous undertaking.

Dr. Yasser Saadeddine, maternity director at al-Awda Hospital, stated that the war and blockade are the direct causes for the majority of pregnancy losses his team encounters. This situation underscores the critical need for maternal healthcare support amidst the ongoing crisis.

The long-term consequences of these losses, both for the women affected and for Gaza's future demographics, remain a significant concern. The psychological trauma associated with repeated miscarriages, compounded by the broader devastation of the war, presents a profound challenge for the resilience and recovery of the Gazan population.