What is Miscarriage?

Miscarriage, also called spontaneous abortion, refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week of gestation. It is a common pregnancy complication, occurring in about 10-20% of known pregnancies.

Causes of Miscarriage

• Chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus (most common cause)

• Hormonal imbalances (e.g., low progesterone)

• Uterine abnormalities (e.g., septum, fibroids)

• Infections (e.g., bacterial, viral)

• Chronic medical conditions in the mother (e.g., diabetes, thyroid disease)

• Immune system problems (e.g., antiphospholipid syndrome)

• Lifestyle factors: smoking, excessive alcohol, drug use

• Trauma or physical injury (rare)

Symptoms of Miscarriage

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting

• Cramping or abdominal pain

• Passing tissue or fluid from the vagina

• Sudden loss of pregnancy symptoms (e.g., nausea, breast tenderness)

Types of Miscarriage

• Threatened miscarriage: Vaginal bleeding but the cervix remains closed; pregnancy may still continue.

• Inevitable miscarriage: Bleeding with an open cervix, making continuation unlikely.

• Incomplete miscarriage: Some pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus after bleeding.

• Complete miscarriage: All pregnancy tissue has been expelled.

• Missed miscarriage: The fetus has died but no bleeding or symptoms; pregnancy tissue not expelled.

• Recurrent miscarriage: Two or more consecutive miscarriages.

Diagnosis

• Ultrasound to check fetal heartbeat and pregnancy status

• Blood tests to measure pregnancy hormone (hCG) levels

• Pelvic examination to check cervix status

Treatment and Management

• Expectant management: Waiting for natural expulsion of tissue

• Medication: Drugs like misoprostol to help expel tissue

• Surgical: Dilation and curettage (D&C) to remove retained tissue if bleeding is heavy or incomplete miscarriage

Prevention and Care

• Prenatal care and early screening

• Managing chronic conditions properly

• Avoiding harmful substances (smoking, alcohol)

• Healthy diet and lifestyle

• Stress reduction

Emotional Support

Miscarriage can cause significant emotional distress. Counseling, support groups, and open communication with family and healthcare providers are important.