6154
3.5

25-07-2024 Team Medicover gynecology

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Vempati Satya Surya Prasanthi

Miscarriage: Know The Causes And Prevention

A miscarriage, also known as a spontaneous abortion, is the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks. It is a deeply emotional experience for many couples and often comes with confusion, guilt and unanswered questions.

In this article, we will learn about what miscarriage is, its symptoms, causes, treatments and recovery process after the miscarriage and what support you require for those going through it.

What Is a Miscarriage?

A miscarriage occurs when a pregnancy ends on its own before the fetus can survive outside the womb, usually before 20 weeks of gestation. Most miscarriages happen in the first trimester about within the first 12 weeks.

How Common Is Miscarriage?

Miscarriage is more common than many realise. Around 10% to 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage and the actual number may be higher because many occur before a woman even realises she's pregnant.

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

Signs and Symptoms of Miscarriage

Some common signs include:

Vaginal bleeding, light spotting to heavy bleeding.
Abdominal or lower back pain
Cramping or pelvic pressure
Fluid or tissue passing from the vagina
Loss of pregnancy symptoms like nausea or breast tenderness

However, some women may have no symptoms and only learn about a miscarriage during a routine ultrasound.

Causes and Risk Factors of Miscarriage

Common causes include:

Chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus: Sometimes, the baby has genetic problems that prevent it from developing normally.
Hormonal imbalances: Hormones play a crucial role in pregnancy and imbalances such as low levels of a hormone called progesterone can lead to miscarriage.
Infections: Some infections like listeria, rubella and toxoplasmosis can harm the pregnancy.
Chronic conditions: Health issues like diabetes or thyroid disorders can increase the risk of miscarriage.
Uterine abnormalities: Physical abnormalities in the uterus can also make it harder for a pregnancy to continue.
Trauma or injury: Any significant injury to the body may pose a risk to a pregnancy.

Risk factors include:

Maternal age over 35 years
Smoking, alcohol or drug use
Previous miscarriages
Obesity
High fevers during pregnancy
Poor nutrition

Types of Miscarriage

A miscarriage refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. There are different types of miscarriage, each with distinct characteristics, symptoms and medical implications.

Threatened Miscarriage

This happens when a woman experiences vaginal bleeding early in her pregnancy, but her cervix is still closed. There's a chance that the pregnancy can continue normally if it's monitored closely and the woman gets enough rest.

Inevitable Miscarriage

In this situation, the woman has both bleeding and cramping and the cervix starts to open. Unfortunately, this means that the miscarriage cannot be avoided and the pregnancy will end.

Incomplete Miscarriage

This happens when some of the pregnancy tissue is passed out of the body, but not all of it. In this case, medical help may be necessary to remove the remaining tissue from the uterus.

Complete Miscarriage

In this situation, all the pregnancy tissue is expelled from the body. Afterwards, any bleeding or pain tends to go away quickly, and usually, no additional treatment is needed.

Missed Miscarriage

Also called a silent miscarriage, this occurs when the embryo or fetus has stopped growing, but there are no clear signs or symptoms. It is often discovered during a routine ultrasound check.

Recurrent Miscarriage

This term refers to experiencing two or more miscarriages in a row. It often means that it's important to see a doctor for a thorough check-up to find out if there are any serious issues that could be causing the problem.

Septic Miscarriage

This is a rare but serious situation where a miscarriage happens along with an infection in the uterus. If this occurs, it's crucial to get medical help right away, as antibiotics are needed to treat the infection.

Chemical Pregnancy

This type of early miscarriage happens very soon after conception and before a person even realises they are pregnant. It might just feel like a late period and can easily go unnoticed.

Diagnosis of Miscarriage

When a miscarriage is suspected, doctors use a combination of physical exams, imaging and hormone testing to confirm the loss of pregnancy. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for determining the appropriate next steps and ensuring the woman’s safety and well-being.

Pelvic examination: Doctors check the cervix to see if it’s open, which could indicate that a miscarriage is happening.
Ultrasound: his imaging test helps doctors see if the fetus has a heartbeat or if development has stopped.
Blood tests for hCG: These tests measure a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). If the levels are dropping or are lower than expected, it might mean a miscarriage.
Progesterone levels: Checking the progesterone hormone can help determine if the pregnancy is viable. Low levels might indicate that the pregnancy could not continue.
Follow-Up Tests: Sometimes, doctors will repeat ultrasounds or blood tests after a few days to ensure accurate results and rule out any misdiagnosis.

Treatment Options for Miscarriage

Treatment for miscarriage depends on the type, stage of pregnancy and whether any tissue remains in the uterus. The purpose is to prevent complications and support the emotional and physical recovery of the couple.

Expectant management: This approach allows the body to naturally get rid of any pregnancy tissues over time while being carefully monitored by healthcare professionals.
Medication (e.g., misoprostol): This medication helps the uterus expel any leftover tissues and can be a choice instead of having surgery.
Surgical treatment (D&C): Dilation and curettage is a minor procedure to remove tissue when bleeding is heavy or not all tissue is expelled.
Antibiotics: These might be prescribed if there’s an infection like a septic miscarriage or as a precaution after a surgical procedure.
Emotional and psychological support: Counselling or joining support groups can be beneficial for those dealing with feelings of grief and loss.
Follow-up appointments: These are important check-ups to ensure that the uterus is clear and that the woman's body is healing correctly.

How to Prevent Miscarriage

We can not prevent all miscarriages, especially those due to genetic abnormalities but some lifestyle and medical steps can reduce the risk and support a healthy pregnancy.

Maintain a healthy weight before and during pregnancy to lower the risk of complications.
Take prenatal vitamins like folic acid to support fetal development and reduce birth defect risks.
Avoid smoking, alcohol and recreational drugs, which are linked to higher miscarriage rates.
Control chronic conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders or high blood pressure under medical guidance.
Avoid exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides, lead and radiation.
Manage stress through relaxation techniques like yoga, breathing exercises or counselling.
Have regular prenatal check-ups to monitor fetal growth and address potential issues early.
Avoid high-risk physical activities or heavy lifting that could strain the body during early pregnancy.
Treat infections quickly, especially urinary tract infections (UTIs) or sexually transmitted infections, as these can impact pregnancy.

When to Try for Pregnancy Again?

After a miscarriage, it's important to give the body and mind time to heal. The best time to try again may vary depending on the cause and type of miscarriage.

Wait at least one normal menstrual cycle or about 1–3 months before trying again, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Talk to your doctor for personalised advice, especially after second-trimester or recurrent miscarriages.
Emotional readiness is just as important; make sure both partners feel mentally prepared.
Correct any identified medical issues like hormonal imbalances or uterine abnormalities before conceiving again.
Resume folic acid supplementation and maintain a healthy lifestyle while preparing for the next pregnancy.

Miscarriage Recovery Tips

Rest and hydrate as your body heals
Take iron-rich foods or supplements if blood loss was heavy.
Avoid sex, tampons or heavy exercise until bleeding stops.
Seek emotional support from partners, family or a support group.
Monitor symptoms and report severe pain, fever or heavy bleeding.

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Schedule Your Appointment

Conclusion

A miscarriage is a difficult and deeply personal experience. It happens to many people and is often out of their control. Knowing the signs, causes and how to recover from this difficult and emotional time is very crucial for moving forward. It is recommended that every couple should seek support, talk to their family, partners and friends and remember that this is a problem which is out of our control and healing and future pregnancy are possible.