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Miscarriage
Medical Questions » Miscarriage
| Name: Miscarriage |
| Also known as: Spontaneous Abortion |
| The failure of a pregnancy to progress, due to the death of the fetus, or a developmental abnormality in the fetus or placenta (afterbirth). If the baby is lost before 20 weeks of pregnancy it is a miscarriage, while after 20 weeks it is considered to be a premature birth, although the chances of a baby surviving if born before 28 weeks are very slim, as a normal pregnancy lasts 40 weeks. Most miscarriages occur in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy, and many occur so early that the woman may not even know that she has been pregnant. Up to 15 percent of diagnosed pregnancies, and possibly 50 percent of all pregnancies, end as a miscarriage. |
Causes of Miscarriage
May occur because there is no baby developing (just placental tissue a blighted ovum), the fetus has serious abnormalities, the ovaries do not secrete sufficient hormones to sustain a pregnancy, or malformations of the uterus (womb) or cervix are present. Rarer causes include stress (both mental and physical), other diseases of the mother (eg. diabetes, infections), injuries, and drugs taken in early pregnancy. |
Symptoms of Miscarriage
Usually starts with a slight vaginal bleed, then menstrual period-type cramps low in the abdomen. The bleeding becomes heavier, and eventually clots and tissue may pass. |
Tests for Miscarriage
An ultrasound scan can show if a live fetus is present. Only if a woman has two miscarriages in succession are further investigations undertaken. |
Treatment for Miscarriage
No treatment except rest, sedatives and pain relievers. Once a miscarriage is inevitable, a simple operation may be performed to clean out the uterus and ready it for the next pregnancy. A deformed uterus or cervix may be surgically corrected to prevent future miscarriages.
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Complications of Miscarriage of its treatment
Heavy bleeding may lead to anemia, infections may occur in the uterus, and tissue may be retained in the uterus making it difficult for a further pregnancy to occur. |
Likely Outcome of Miscarriage
In most cases, there is no reason why a subsequent pregnancy should not be successful. |
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