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A miscarriage, also known as pregnancy loss, is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week.
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It's a common occurrence, with studies suggesting that over 30% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, many before the individual even knows they are pregnant according to UPMC.
The most frequent cause is the fetus not developing properly, often due to genetic problems says MedlinePlus.
Causes:
- Genetic Abnormalities: Most miscarriages are due to issues with the fetus's chromosomes.
- Maternal Factors: Problems with the uterus or cervix, chronic diseases, and certain lifestyle choices (like smoking or drug use) can also contribute.
- Other Factors: Hormonal imbalances, infections, and exposure to environmental toxins can also play a role.
Symptoms:
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting: This can be a common sign, but it's not always indicative of miscarriage, as some women experience spotting early in pregnancy without miscarrying according to MedlinePlus.
- Cramping and abdominal pain: Pain can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by back pain says Tommy's.
- Passage of tissue or clots: This can occur as the pregnancy tissue is expelled from the uterus.
Diagnosis:
- Pelvic exam: To check for cervical dilation.
- Ultrasound: To check for a fetal heartbeat.
- Blood tests: To measure hormone levels and check for anemia if bleeding is heavy.
Treatment:
- Most miscarriages resolve on their own: No specific treatment is needed in many cases.
- Medications or procedures: If the miscarriage is incomplete, medications like misoprostol or procedures like vacuum aspiration may be used to remove remaining tissue.
- Pain management: Pain relievers like paracetamol or codeine can be used for pain relief says The Royal Women's Hospital.
Prevention:
- Good prenatal care: This is crucial for overall health and can help reduce the risk of miscarriage.
- Avoiding harmful substances: This includes smoking, alcohol, and drug use.
- Managing chronic conditions: Controlling conditions like diabetes can also help reduce the risk says MedlinePlus.
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
Sep 8, 2023 · Miscarriage is the sudden loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. About 10% to 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. But the actual number is likely ...
People also ask
What are the first signs of having a miscarriage?
The most common sign of miscarriage is vaginal bleeding.
cramping and pain in your lower tummy.
a discharge of fluid from your vagina.
a discharge of tissue from your vagina.
no longer experiencing the symptoms of pregnancy, such as feeling sick and breast tenderness.
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Miscarriage is the early loss of a pregnancy, and it is very common. There are treatment and management options available for a diagnosed miscarriage.