Miscarriage is the loss of the pregnancy before the 20th week. Most miscarriages occur during the 1st trimester and are a result of abnormal chromosomes (genetic code) with the fetus. Usually there is nothing wrong with you or your partner. Miscarriages occur in 15-20% of all pregnancies. It can be difficult to deal with physically and emotionally. Often, there is no reason found for miscarriage. If you have had a miscarriage, you still have a very good chance for a future normal pregnancy. Risk factors include: stress of all kinds; hormone imbalance; disorders of the immune system; abnormal uterus or intrauterine infection; environmental and life style factors such as smoking, use of alcohol or cocaine; and uncontrolled diabetes.
Symptoms and warning signs may include:
Vaginal bleeding or spotting, usually without pain.
Heavy bleeding with cramping or abdominal pain
"Water gushing", indicating your water broke (ruptured membranes)
Passage of any tissue from your vaginal area
Fever and chills
What your doctor can do:
Perform a physical exam to determine if a miscarriage has occurred.
Often, no medical treatment is necessary as the body may pass all the tissue from the pregnancy by itself.
Treatment may include a procedure called a D&C (dilation and curettage), one way to remove any remaining tissue from the pregnancy. This procedure may be performed in the office, emergency room, or surgical center.
What you can do:
Allow yourself to grieve. DO NOT blame yourself for the miscarriage as this only punishes you. You need and deserve support, love and reassurance during this time.
There is help available for you to deal with your grief from this miscarriage. If you need assistance, talk with your doctor or nurse or request a referral to a counselor or local support group.
What you can expect:
Miscarriages are seldom an indication of a problem with you or your partner. There is still a very good chance for a future normal pregnancy when you are ready.
Emotionally, you may require a period of time to accept the miscarriage and get back to your life in a way that is healthy.
Possible physical complications of a miscarriage include infection, blood loss, missed or incomplete miscarriage in which parts of tissues or the fetus remain inside the uterus (womb).
Contact your doctor if you have any of the warning signs listed above or a history of any of the risk factors.
