Miscarriage
A miscarriage is the unexpected loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week, often occurring due to genetic factors or developmental issues.
What is a miscarriage?
A miscarriage is an unexpected loss of pregnancy before the 20th week. Most miscarriages happen very early in the pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant.
What causes a miscarriage?
A miscarriage can happen in any pregnancy. Most miscarriages occur because the fetus doesn't develop properly. This is often linked to a genetic problem with the fetus, such as an extra or missing chromosome. In many cases, the cause is unknown. Possible factors that may increase the chance of a miscarriage include:
- Problems with the uterus or cervix
- Chronic diseases, including polycystic ovary syndrome
- Genetic problems with the fetus
- Pregnancy after 35 years of age
- Smoking, drug or alcohol use
- Certain chronic (long-term) health conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes
- Severe malnutrition
Signs of a miscarriage
The signs of a miscarriage may be different for everyone and can vary based on how far along you are in your pregnancy. Signs can include:
- Vaginal spotting or bleeding with or without pain. (Contact your provider right away if you have any bleeding.)
- Dark-colored vaginal discharge.
- A gush of fluid or tissue from your vagina.
- Cramping or pain in your abdomen (belly) or lower back.
Diagnosis
To check if you have had a miscarriage, your provider may do the following:
- A pelvic exam to check your cervix.
- Blood tests to check things such as the amount of blood loss and confirm pregnancy.
- An ultrasound to check the fetus.
Treatment and Management
Treatment after a miscarriage often depends on when it occurs during the pregnancy. If you miscarry early, you may not need any treatment. If you are 12 or more weeks pregnant, you may need a shot to prevent problems with the Rh factor in future pregnancies.
If tissue is left in the uterus and you do not have signs of infection, your provider may recommend waiting for the tissue to pass naturally. If treatment is required to remove the tissue, it can include:
- Medicines
- A procedure called dilatation and curettage (D&C) or vacuum aspiration
Counseling may help you cope with your grief. Many women who have a miscarriage go on to have healthy pregnancies later.
Prevention
Miscarriage can affect anyone and often can't be prevented. Focus on taking good care of yourself and start prenatal care visits early in your pregnancy.