What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Early Pregnancy Loss
• Loss of Pregnancy
• Spontaneous Abortion

What is Miscarriage? (Definition/Background Information)

• A Miscarriage is the termination of pregnancy before the 20th week. If it takes place during or after week 20, then it is termed a stillbirth
• The majority of Miscarriages take place before the 12th week of pregnancy (before the 3rd month is complete). Many Miscarriages are known to take place even before women realize that they are pregnant
• Miscarriages usually occur because of possible problems with the fetus, such as chromosomal abnormalities. The chances of a Miscarriage decrease greatly, once the heartbeat of the fetus is felt or present
• Vaginal bleeding and crampy abdominal pain are the common signs of a Miscarriage
• After a loss of pregnancy, if the complete expulsion of the fetus does not occur spontaneously, then either a surgery or medication is required to remove it completely from the uterus
• Most women are able to conceive again with no complications being observed; they can carry a healthy pregnancy

Who gets Miscarriage? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• In healthy women, the chances of a Miscarriage are about 15-20%
• Older women are more at risk of Miscarriage than younger women

What are the Risk Factors for Miscarriage? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors of Miscarriage include:

• Advancing age of the expectant mother
• Unhealthy lifestyle factors that include, cigarette smoking, excessive consumption of caffeine, alcohol abuse, etc.
• Being underweight or overweight
• Being under excessive physical or emotional stress
• Having had multiple Miscarriages (previously)
• Hormonal imbalance
• Exposure to toxins or radiation

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Miscarriage? (Etiology)

Most Miscarriages are caused by chromosomal (genetic) abnormalities of the fetus, which make it impossible for the fetus to grow. Other possible causes may include:

• Drug and alcohol abuse
• Infection
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Expectant mothers with uncontrolled diabetes
• Hormonal imbalances

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Miscarriage?

Miscarriage is when the loss of baby occurs before week 20 of pregnancy. The signs and symptoms of a Miscarriage may include:

• Vaginal bleeding - there could be spotting or heavy bleeding
• Strong crampy pain
• Loss of pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea or breast tenderness, which the woman felt before
• Back pain

How is Miscarriage Diagnosed?

A Miscarriage may be diagnosed through:

• Complete evaluation of medical history
• Thorough physical and vaginal exam
• Vaginal or abdominal ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy loss
• Beta-hCG blood levels to confirm pregnancy loss
• Complete blood count to determine the extent of blood loss

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Miscarriage?

Complications after a Miscarriage are uncommon, but they may include:

• Infection
• Hemorrhage (too much bleeding)
• Depression and anxiety

How is Miscarriage Treated?

The treatment approaches for Miscarriages may include:

• If all the products of conception have been completely expelled and the uterus is completely empty, then no treatment is generally required. The woman may be reassured and counselled for the pregnancy loss
• If complete expulsion does not occur, then either surgery or medication (such as misoprostol) is required to remove the contents from the womb
• Dilatation and Curettage (D & C): It is a surgical medical procedure that removes any remaining tissues that are in the uterus. After the contents of the uterus are expelled or removed, there is no further treatment and women can get pregnant again. Although, most healthcare providers advise women to wait at least one period cycle before trying to get  pregnant again

Also, because a Miscarriage can be very difficult emotionally, it is important for women to seek social and emotional support.

How can Miscarriage be Prevented?

Preventive measure for Miscarriage may include:

• Healthy lifestyle: Eating healthy food and exercising
• Try to keep stress under control
• Take prenatal vitamins
• Avoid toxins, x-rays, and other such materials and procedures
• Keeping a healthy weight
• Avoid combative sports or physical activities
• Avoid abusive drugs, alcohol, and smoking

What is the Prognosis of Miscarriage? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• An Early Loss of Pregnancy or Miscarriage may be due to several health conditions that may need to suitably treated
• If the woman does not have specific health issues that are causing the Miscarriages, they can become pregnant again and have healthy pregnancies

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Miscarriage:

• A Dilatation & Curettage of uterus procedure involves opening the cervix and surgically removing the inner lining and tissue present in the uterus

The following article link will help you understand a Dilatation & Curettage procedure:

http://www.dovemed.com/common-procedures/procedures-surgical/dilatation-curettage-of-the-uterus/