Miscarriage

Miscarriage Defined

A miscarriage is defined as a pregnancy that ends spontaneously prior to 20 weeks. After 20 weeks, a baby that dies is referred to as a stillbirth.

How Common are Miscarriages?

As many as 50 percent of all pregnancies may end in miscarriage. It is hard to determine this statistic, and many pregnancy losses occur before a woman realizes she is pregnant. Most of these pregnancies end in a fetal death within the first 13 weeks for pregnancy.

Causes

A miscarriage can happen for a number of reasons. The most common cause is chromosomal problems or genetic abnormalities. In these cases, during or soon after conception, the fetus fails to develop properly. Up to 50% of all early fetal deaths can be linked back to this cause.

Other common causes include:

• Diabetes;
• Uterus abnormalities;
• A blow to the stomach;
• Caffeine exceeding 300 mg per day;
• Ectopic or tubal pregnancy, meaning a pregnancy in which the fertilized egg is implanted someplace other than the uterus;
• Poor nourishment at conception or during pregnancy;
• Fibroids;
• Placenta problems;
• Poor maternal immune system or elevated hormone levels during pregnancy;
• Environmental pollution;
• Alcohol, cigarette, or recreational drug use.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a miscarriage might include spotting which can lead to heavy vaginal bleeding, cramps similar to those experienced during a menstrual period, and severe abdominal pain. Remember, Early Pregnancy Symptoms include light spotting during the first few weeks of pregnancy. This type of spotting is no reason for concern, but if bleeding increases to the point of soaking a sanitary napkin, there may be reason for concern. Often, they start out as small amounts of bleeding, or vague abdominal pains that might then become more intense.

Treatment Options

Most women who experience an early miscarriage require no treatment. You will experience what appears to be a heavy period as the uterus expels its contents. However, if heavy bleeding continues or an infection is indicated, a physician may recommend a D&C to remove any tissue from the uterus that it does not naturally expel. Once it is determined that a pregnancy isn't growing, your health care provider will discuss options with you.

Life After...

If this is the first miscarriage a woman has experienced, chances are your OB provider will not require any follow up treatments; however, if this is not the first, more tests might be suggested such as an ultrasound of the uterus, hysteroscopy, or an endometrial biopsy.

Emotions and Getting Pregnant Again

Physically, it takes up to a month for a woman's body to recover after a fetal loss. OB providers typically recommend waiting until after she has experienced one normal menstrual cycle before attempting to get pregnant again. Mentally, it may take much longer before a woman feels ready to try again. Mourning the loss and concerns over subsequent problems can be overwhelming. Losing an unborn baby can wreak havoc on your emotional state. You may need to go through a grieving process, which is natural. Some parents choose to plant a tree or bush in memory of their loss. You should take your time as you try to heal emotionally. It may help if you seek counseling.

In Conclusion

While many problems are unpreventable, the best course of action is to schedule regular prenatal visits with your health care provider as soon as you suspect you are pregnant, and to follow the advice you are given.

A miscarriage is can be a very sad time for a couple trying to conceive. Fortunately, the majority of women who have one miscarriage will have a successful pregnancy the next time.

More information about why pregnancy problems:

March of Dimes pregnancy information

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