Miscarriages in First Trimester

A first trimester miscarriage refers to a pregnancy loss that occurs within the first twelve weeks of gestation. According to estimates, the percentage of miscarriages in first trimester are as high as eighty. A first trimester pregnancy loss is of three types, namely a chemical pregnancy, blighted ovum and a missed miscarriage. A chemical pregnancy is the one in which pregnancy loss occurs even before the implantation process of the fertilized egg in the lining of the uterus, can actually be completed. A blighted ovum is a kind of pregnancy in which only a gestational sac develops inside the woman but there is no baby present. A missed miscarriage is a pregnancy loss in which the baby stops growing after a certain stage. All these three types of miscarriages occur on account of various reasons. Given below are the causes, symptoms and treatment options.

Causes

• The most common cause is chromosomal abnormality in the baby. These occur when either the egg or the sperm cells are faulty. This might also occur if the implantation of the egg has not taken happened properly.
• Any hormonal imbalances or health problems or any kind of infection that the woman might have can lead to a miscarriage.
• If the woman's lifestyle in not correct, i.e. she eats an imbalanced diet, takes drugs, smokes, drinks alcohol in excess, it can lead to a miscarriage.
• If the woman is above a specific age, such as more than forty, chances of miscarriage become high.
• If the woman who is pregnant, meets with an accident such as a fall, then it can lead to a miscarriage too.

Symptoms

• One of the signs which many women experience is a back pain, which can range from mild to extremely severe.
• A sudden weight loss too is experienced by women.
• Some women experience very painful contractions after every few minutes.
• Another symptom of miscarriage during first trimester is a mucus discharge, which is white to pink in color.
• Discharge of blood clots and some tissues from the vagina.
• Sometimes, bleeding, which may or may not be accompanied by cramps, is experienced.
• The various pregnancy symptoms, such as breast tenderness, nausea, food aversions, etc. may start disappearing suddenly.

Treatment

If the pregnancy is at a very early stage, no medical treatment might be required, as the body will automatically, on its own, remove the fetal tissue. However, if this does not happen, then a procedure known as D and C, i.e. Dilation and Curettage is performed to expel the fetal tissue and to put an end to bleeding. This procedure helps in preventing the spread of infection too, which can prove very detrimental otherwise, if the woman wants to conceive again. Some women who experience multiple miscarriages in first trimester, are recommended to undergo emotional treatment such as therapy as well. Once the woman has healed emotionally and physically both, should she think of starting a family again.

Since, majority of first trimester miscarriages occur due to chromosomal abnormalities, there is nothing much a woman can do to avoid them. But yes, keeping oneself healthy by exercising regularly and eating a well-balanced diet, keeping one's weight in check, by eliminating alcohol, smoke and caffeine from the diet and by managing stress efficiently, a woman can ensure a safe pregnancy to a great extent.