Signs of a Miscarriage

Spontaneous abortion or miscarriage is the spontaneous ending of a pregnancy before the fetus is full grown and able to survive outside the uterus. Approximately 10-15% of all pregnancies that are confirmed result in miscarriage, sometimes it even occurs before the women realize that they are pregnant. In most cases, miscarriages occur within the first three weeks of pregnancy, before the 20 weeks gestation period. There is a one percent chance of miscarriages occurring after the 20 weeks gestation too. Miscarriages like the one mentioned are called late miscarriages. A miscarriage is an unfortunate thing to happen to anyone, and is the reason for a lot of heartache!

Signs of a Miscarriage

• Spotting or bleeding without any pain
• Severe abdominal pain along with heavy bleeding
• Liquid flowing out from the vagina, without any pain or bleeding

Symptoms of a Miscarriage

• Pain in the abdomen or lower back
• Spasms in the pelvic area
• A feeling of weakness
• Blood clots or tissue released from the vagina
• Diminishing of the early signs of pregnancy

Causes of a Miscarriage

• Genetic factors
• Severe malnutrition
• Infection
• Immune disorder like lupus
• Kidney disease
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Hormonal problems
• Smoking, drinking or use of illegal drugs
• Viruses
• Exposure to toxic agents and radiation

Diagnosis and Treatment

When you notice the above signs and symptoms, it is advisable to go to a health care provider. The health care provider will perform an ultrasound and a pelvic exam to confirm the miscarriage. If the uterus is clear and the miscarriage is complete, there is no further need of treatment.

If the abortion is incomplete, then a dilation and curettage (D&C), or dilation and extraction (D&E) procedure is performed. If the symptoms of a miscarriage are visible, but not confirmed, then bed rest is often prescribed for several days.

If a woman has had more then two miscarriages in a row, blood tests, genetic tests or medication might be necessary Repeated miscarriages are often evaluated using the following diagnostic procedures: endometrial biopsy, hysterosalpinogram, hysteroscopy, and laparoscopy.