Miscarriages are devastating for families. Even the term “miscarriage” can make you feel that you did something wrong in carrying the pregnancy. It’s important to know that most miscarriages are beyond your control.
For National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Month, we’re discussing the truth about miscarriages. This article will help you understand why they happen and how to care for yourself if you experience one.
What Is A Miscarriage?
A miscarriage, also known as early pregnancy loss, is the unexpected ending of a pregnancy in the first 20 weeks.
It’s estimated that 10-20% of pregnancies end in a miscarriage, but this number is probably higher because some women don’t realize they’ve had one.
Types of Miscarriage
There are different types of miscarriages requiring different medical interventions and treatment.
Threatened miscarriage
This is when you experience pelvic cramping and bleeding, but your cervix stays closed. Although very scary, the pregnancy can continue with no further issues. You’ll likely be monitored closer for the remainder of your pregnancy.
Missed miscarriage
This is when you’ve lost a pregnancy, but you’re unaware it’s happened. You have no symptoms of a miscarriage, but there is no heartbeat on ultrasound.
Complete miscarriage
This is when you experience a pregnancy loss and the passing of fetal tissue. Your doctor will confirm your miscarriage with an ultrasound.
Inevitable miscarriage
This occurs when you experience miscarriage symptoms like bleeding, cramping, leaking amniotic fluid and your cervix starts to dilate. In this situation, a complete miscarriage is likely, and your doctor will recommend what to do next.
Recurrent miscarriage
This happens when you’ve experienced three miscarriages in a row. Although uncommon, this requires further examination to learn why it’s happening.
How Do I Know If I’m Having a Miscarriage?
This is one of the most common questions women have during pregnancy. Knowing the signs of a miscarriage is important so you can get help from your healthcare team.
Common signs of miscarriage are:
- Bleeding or spotting
- Passing of blood clots
- Pelvic pain or cramping
- Lower back pain
- Any fluid or tissue passing through your vagina
Factors That May Cause a Miscarriage
Many women feel like their bodies did something wrong to cause a miscarriage. The truth is chromosomal abnormalities cause half of all miscarriages in the first trimester.
Most factors are out of your control, but knowing what can increase your risk is important.
Risk Factors That Can Increase Your Risk of Miscarriage
Factors that contribute to your risk of miscarriage include:
- Infections
- Improper implantation of fertilized egg
- Hormonal imbalances
- Uterine abnormalities
- Cervix opens too early
- Past miscarriages
- Age
- Severe malnutrition
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Using recreational drugs
In some instances, certain medical conditions can put you at risk of having a miscarriage, such as:
- Autoimmune disorders
- Kidney disease
- Thyroid disease
- Congenital heart disease
- Diabetes
Just because you have one of these conditions does not mean you’ll have a miscarriage. In most cases, miscarriages occur when a chronic condition is uncontrolled or unmanaged. Your healthcare team can help you understand your risk.
Routine Activities That Are Safe During Pregnancy
There are misconceptions about activities that can cause pregnancy loss. Activities that are safe and do not cause miscarriages:
- Exercise: Keep the routine you did before you were pregnant and avoid close contact sports
- Sex
- Arguments
- Using birth control before you got pregnant
- Working (as long as you’re not exposed to chemicals or radiation)
Treatments For Miscarriage
A miscarriage takes a devastating emotional toll on you, but it’s important to remember to take care of yourself to prevent further complications. There are non-surgical and surgical treatments after pregnancy loss.
Nonsurgical treatment
This is when you pass the tissue on your own. This can take several days to complete. Some people may need to take a medication that helps the uterus pass the tissue.
Surgical treatment
If you experience heavy bleeding or your uterus hasn’t passed the tissue, you may need a procedure called a dilation and curettage (D&C). This is when your doctor gently scrapes and suctions any fluids and tissue in your body.
Tips For Recovering From a Miscarriage
It can take a few weeks up to a month for your body to physically recover. However, there is a substantial emotional toll this takes on families, so it’s important to take care of yourself – mentally, physically and emotionally.
You’ll likely be back to your regular routine in just a few days, but there is a risk of infection. You’ll want to follow these general instructions:
- Use pads for any bleeding and avoid tampons
- Take showers instead of baths
- Do not go into hot tubs or pools
- Do not douche
- Do not have sex or put anything into your vagina until your doctor tells you
- Call your doctor with any signs and symptoms of infection
It’s normal to grieve your pregnancy loss and go through a roller coaster of emotions.
Ways to help take care of yourself emotionally:
- Lean on your friends, family, and partner for support
- Take care of your physical body to avoid complications
- Be direct with friends and family about what you’re ready to talk about and how they can support you
- Find local resources that specialize in grief and pregnancy loss
- Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re having intense sadness for two weeks or more
What Tests Should I Have After Repeat Miscarriages?
If you’ve had repeated miscarriages and you want to know more about why it’s happening, talk to your healthcare provider. Sometimes your doctor will order the following tests.
- Chromosome tests to detect chromosomal conditions, problems or changes
- Hormone tests to diagnose hormone imbalances or problems
- Blood tests to check for autoimmune disorders
Knowing the truth about why miscarriages happen and how to care for yourself if you have one can help you take small steps forward. It’s important to know why miscarriages happen and that it’s not your fault. If you have any other questions about miscarriages, talk to a trusted healthcare provider.
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