Miscarriage is defined as the spontaneous loss of pregnancy until 24 weeks of gestation.
There are two types of miscarriage: sporadic (random) and recurrent.
About 10% to 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. But the actual number is likely higher. This is because many miscarriages happen early on, before people realize they're pregnant.
Miscarriage can be a difficult short physical but a long psychological journey Understand what can cause a miscarriage, what raises the risk and what medical care might be needed.
Risk Factors of miscarriage:
Age. If you're older than age 35, you have a higher risk of miscarriage. At age 35, you have about a 20% risk. At age 40, the risk is about 33% to 40%. And at age 45, it ranges from 57% to 80%.
Past miscarriages. If you've had 1 or more prior miscarriages before, you're at higher risk of pregnancy loss.
Long-term conditions. If you have an ongoing health condition, such as uncontrolled diabetes, you have a higher risk of miscarriage.
Uterine or cervical problems. Certain uterine conditions or weak cervical tissues, also called incompetent cervix, might raise the chances of a miscarriage.
Smoking, alcohol, caffeine and illegal drugs.
Weight. Being underweight or being overweight has been linked with a higher risk of miscarriage.
Genetic conditions. Sometimes, one of the partners may be healthy but carry a genetic problem that raises the risk of a miscarriage.
Most miscarriages happen during the first trimester of pregnancy, which is about the first 12 weeks.
Symptoms
Bleeding from the vagina with or without pain, including light bleeding called spotting.
Pain or cramping in the pelvic area or lower back.
Fluid or tissue passing from the vagina.
Fast heartbeat.
If you have passed tissue from your vagina, place it in a clean container. A lab can examine the tissue to check for signs of a miscarriage.
Complications from Miscarriage
Sometimes, pregnancy tissue that stays in the uterus after a miscarriage can lead to a uterine infection – usual symptoms of such infection are Fever, Chills, Pain in the lower stomach area, foul-smelling discharge from the vagina, vaginal bleeding.
Heavy bleeding from the vagina (immediately attend A&E of your nearest NHS hospital).
To prevent miscarriages:
Often, there's nothing you can do to prevent a miscarriage. Instead, focus on taking good care of yourself and your unborn baby:
Get regular prenatal care while you're pregnant and right after you give birth.
Stay away from miscarriage risk factors — such as smoking, drinking alcohol and illegal drug use.
Take a daily multivitamin.
If you've had one or more prior miscarriages, ask our consultants who can advise you to have some investigations to identify any cause of Miscarriage which can be managed better next time.
Limit caffeine.
If you have a long-term health condition, work with your health care team to keep it under control.
Diagnosis
Your health care team might do a variety of tests:
Blood tests
Pelvic exam
Ultrasound
Tissue tests
Chromosomal tests
CLINICS
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