Miscarriage
Miscarriage is the spontaneous separation and discharge of a developing fetus through the vagina before it is ready to be born. Miscarriage seems to be the body's natural solution to a pregnancy that is not developing properly. Most miscarriages occur early in the first trimester and it is estimated that 15 to 20 percent of all pregnancies end in miscarriage.
It is estimated that 75 percent of all miscarriages occur during the first trimester of pregnancy. The remainder occurs in the second trimester. Any fetus passed out of the body after the end of the second trimester (24th week) is called a premature birth.
In the majority of cases, having a miscarriage does not affect a woman's ability to get pregnant again.
(1) Causes
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• chromosomal abnormalities
• structural problems
• weakness of the cervical muscle
• improperly egg and sperm dividing or implanting |
• infections
• immunologic causes
• abnormal hormone levels
• environmental factors (tobacco, caffeine and alcohol) |
Click on the link below and read more about how hormone levels influence pregnancy and how you can keep them in balance at female infertility. |
(2) Symptoms
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• passing blood clots or tissue
• spotting
• no fetal movement
• decreased breast tenderness or fullness |
• no heart sounds
• cramping
• vaginal bleeding
• vaginal staining, usually dark brown and changing to pink or red |
It is very important to call your doctor and to keep track of the amount of bleeding that occurs. If tissue is passed, try to save it. Many doctors will want it for laboratory evaluation to help determine the cause of the miscarriage.
(3) Treatments
• antibiotics
• dilation and curettage (D & C)
• drugs that help the uterus contract and stop bleeding
• Rh immune globulin in Rh negative women
Medical care following an early miscarriage is recommended in order to insure that all of the fetal tissue is removed from the woman's body. Because there is a risk of infection if some tissue remains, a doctor may suggest a procedure called dilation and curettage (D&C) to remove it.
