Information on Miscarriages: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Miscarriages, the loss of a fetus before the 20th week of pregnancy, are a common experience that many women face. While they can be emotionally challenging, it's important to understand the facts about miscarriages and what to expect.
A miscarriage may be mistaken for a period, but there are signs that indicate a possible miscarriage. These include severe or worsening back or abdominal pain, passing fluids and large clots, symptoms lasting longer than a period, and symptoms happening after eight weeks into a pregnancy.
It's important to note that having one miscarriage does not necessarily increase the risk of having subsequent miscarriages. However, the risk of miscarriage does increase with age, with a 20% risk at age 35, a 40% risk at age 40, and an 80% risk at age 45.
There are different types of miscarriages, each with its own symptoms and treatment options. A complete miscarriage occurs when all pregnancy tissues have been expelled from the body, while an incomplete miscarriage leaves some tissue or placental material behind. In a missed miscarriage, the embryo dies without the person's knowledge, and they don't deliver it. In a threatened miscarriage, bleeding and cramps point to a possible upcoming miscarriage, while an inevitable miscarriage indicates that one is imminent due to the presence of bleeding, cramping, and cervical dilation. A septic miscarriage occurs when an infection has developed within the uterus.
Risk factors for miscarriage include body trauma, exposure to harmful chemicals or radiation, drug use, alcohol abuse, excessive caffeine consumption, smoking, two or more consecutive miscarriages, being underweight or overweight, chronic, uncontrolled conditions like diabetes, problems with the uterus or cervix, and being older (over 35 years old).
Treatment for a miscarriage depends on the type of miscarriage and may include expectant management, medical management, or surgical management. After a miscarriage, symptoms such as spotting and abdominal discomfort may occur, and the body's recovery will depend on how far along the pregnancy was before the miscarriage.
Following a miscarriage, it's a good idea to wait until physically and emotionally ready before trying to conceive again. Consult a doctor for guidance or to help develop a conception plan.
Miscarriages can be caused by genetic or chromosome issues, errors during cell division, problems with the placenta, underlying health conditions, lifestyle habits, food poisoning, certain medications, and other factors. If a person has had two or more consecutive miscarriages, their doctor will recommend testing to detect what may have caused the miscarriages, including blood tests, chromosome tests, pelvic and uterine exams, and ultrasounds.
The early loss of a pregnancy is common, occurring in 10% of known pregnancies, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Approximately 87% of women who have had a miscarriage will go on to carry a baby to full term, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Approximately only 1% of women have three or more miscarriages.
After a miscarriage, it's normal to experience a wide range of emotions and symptoms such as trouble sleeping, low energy, and frequent crying. Seek support when needed, and consider counseling, joining a support group, or engaging in a symbolic gesture to help with remembrance.
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