Miscarriage Risks and Treatments

Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks. Most often this occurs before the 12th week. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology reports that about 1 in 10 to 1 in 5 of all pregnancies may end in miscarriage. The number is most likely much higher. It often happens before you even know you’re pregnant.

You may notice one or more of these warning signs:

• Spotting or bleeding from the vagina

• Pain or cramping in the lower back or abdomen

• Fluid or tissue passing from the vagina
  

Spotting and bleeding early on is fairly common. It does not always mean you will miscarry. Most of those who have this symptom go on to have a normal pregnancy.

Risk Factors for Miscarriage

There are many reasons why miscarriage occurs. The most common is that the fetus does not develop as it should. This is most often a problem with the baby’s genes or chromosomes. Development may not occur normally as the embryo divides and grows. It is not typically a problem inherited from the parents.

There are things that increase the risk of miscarriage:

• Age: If you are older than 35, you are at a higher risk.

• Previous miscarriage: If you’ve had two or more miscarriages, you are at a higher risk of having one again. After one loss, the risk of miscarriage is the same as those who have never had a miscarriage.

• Chronic conditions: If you have diabetes, cardiac or thyroid disease, you are at an increased risk.

• Uterine or cervical problems: Some uterine problems or a weak, short cervix can increase your risk.

• Certain habits or behaviors: Smoking, abusing prescription drugs, drinking alcohol and using illegal drugs increase the risk.

• Caffeine: High levels may increase the risk of miscarriage. You should talk to your doctor about your intake.
  

If your pregnancy is developing as it should, your daily activities will not cause a loss.

Miscarriage does not result from:

• Working

• Exercising

• Having sex

• Lifting heavy objects

• Nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy (morning sickness)

• A minor fall or injury
  

Treatment Options for Miscarriage

There are many treatment options for a miscarriage. You and your doctor will decide which one is best for you.

• Natural progression: If an ultrasound or blood test confirm a miscarriage before the woman has any symptoms, she might choose to let it progress. This can take a few weeks, with multiple blood tests, to complete.

• Medicine: Certain medicines cause the body to expel the pregnancy tissue. The miscarriage happens in
  the next day or two and will likely happen at home.

• Dilation and curettage (often called a “D and C”): This can be done at any point during the miscarriage. Problems are rare but include damage to the tissue of the cervix or damage to the uterine wall.

Rh Negative Patients

If your blood type is Rh negative, you should check with your doctor to see if you need a blood product called Rhogam. This medicine will prevent you from forming antibodies that could affect future pregnancies. You need this after each birth or miscarriage.

Getting Pregnant Again

It is possible to become pregnant during the next menstrual cycle. If you want to get pregnant again, make sure that you and your partner are ready. Most doctors recommend waiting until you have had at least one normal menstrual period before trying to become pregnant after a miscarriage.

Hope After Loss Clinic

Sometimes people need extra support to help process the loss, heal and manage any pregnancies that may follow.

The UW Health Hope After Loss Clinic offers a warm and caring atmosphere for you and your family to get the help you need. We see people who are pregnant as well as those who are not pregnant. Our unique model offers both health and emotional care for those impacted by the loss.

You do not need a referral. Call (608) 287-5898 to learn more, or to schedule your visit.