Miscarriage
Also known as spontaneous abortion, miscarriage is the involuntary loss of fetus before the 20th week of pregnancy. The condition refers to a naturally occurring event, and does not include medical or surgical abortions.
Causes
Chromosomal problems and genetic disorders prevent the healthy growth and development of the baby in the mothers womb. Although these problems may not be related to the genes of the parents, many women lose pregnancy due to these alterations. Other causes of pregnancy loss may include:
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Exposure to toxins, drugs, nicotine or alcohol
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Hormonal imbalances in the mothers body
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Certain bacterial and viral infections
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Obesity
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Anatomical defects in the mothers reproductive organs
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Immune system disorders
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Serious systemic diseases such as cancer or diabetes
Prevalence
Almost 50 percent of fertilized eggs in a womans body undergo spontaneous abortion, even before she realizes that she is pregnant. Almost 15 to 20 percent of women lose pregnancy during the first seven weeks. The rate of miscarriage lowers significantly once the babys heart beat becomes traceable. The risk of miscarriage also increases with age. It is considerably higher in women between the ages of 35 to 40 years, and increases further after the age of 40.
Symptoms
Many women, who lose pregnancy, are unaware until their doctor informs them in the next visit. Others may experience lower back pain, or dull, sharp abdominal pain. Some women may pass tissue or clot-like material from their vagina, while other may have abdominal bleeding
Diagnosis
Dilation or thinning of the cervix during the vaginal exam is a major indication of a miscarriage. If you lose pregnancy, your babys will not be detectable during an ultrasound. Your vaginal ultrasound may also indicate poor physical development of the fetus. Your doctor may also perform:
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Blood Typing to check for the Rh compatibility of your baby
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A complete blood count may give an indication of the blood lost during the suspected miscarriage
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The human gonadotropin, or HCG test to confirm the pregnancy again
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A white blood cell differential test may be used to check for the presence of asymptomatic infections.
Treatment
When you lose pregnancy, your doctor will check to see if all the tissue has passed out of your body. You will be kept under observation for 2 weeks, and surgical procedure known as D and C may be performed to remove the remaining fetal tissue from your body. You should regain your normal menstrual cycle within 4 to 6 weeks. You may become pregnant right away but most doctors would recommend you to wait for at least one cycle before trying to conceive.
Complications
It is important for all the fetal tissue in your body to come out after you lose pregnancy. Any remaining tissues can lead to infections characterized by fever, vaginal bleeding, cramping and vaginal discharge. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
Women may also experience depression and sadness. Talk to your partner and family about it. Consult a psychologist if you experience serious depression or get suicidal thoughts.
Prevention
Comprehensive prenatal care and use of prenatal vitamins may lower your chances of miscarriage. Pregnant women who lose pregnancy often may seek infertility treatments.
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