What is Miscarriage ?

A miscarriage is defined as the end of a pregnancy within the first three months, before 20 weeks gestation. It occurs before the fetus is mature enough to survive outside the uterus. Only 1 percent of miscarriages take place after this period, and it is likely that most miscarriages occur before a woman misses her menstrual period or is even aware of the pregnancy.

Main Miscarriage Causes:-

1) Maternal age - there is a rise in miscarriage risk as maternal age increases. For women less than 35, the clinical miscarriage rate is 6.4%, for age 35-40 it is 14.7% and over the age of 40 it is 23.1%.
2) Poorly controlled diabetes - but not that which is well controlled.
3) Scleroderma - a soft tissue disease.
4) Fever over 100F.
5) Smoking -30-50% increased risk.

Miscarriage Symptoms:-

1) Vaginal spotting or bleeding.
2) Bleeding that progresses from light to heavy.
3) Pain, cramps, or discomfort in the abdomen or lower back.
4) Clot-like fluid or tissue passing through the vagina.
5) Fever, weakness or vomiting.

Three types of miscarriages:-

1) Complete Miscarriage
The body has naturally expelled the fetus. This process usually takes 3-7 days to be completed, but in some cases it can last for weeks.

2) Incomplete Miscarriage
Tissue has been partially expelled by the body, but some contents remain in the uterus.

3) Missed Miscarriage
The fetus and placenta remain in the uterus without signs of being expelled and a woman may not be aware that a miscarriage has taken place.

Three treatment methods available depending on each case:

1) Expectant Management involving watchful waiting and medical observation.
2) Medical Management involving medication treatment to help complete a miscarriage.
3) Surgical Treatment that usually involves dilation and curettage (D&C)

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