03/11/2025
Miscarriage (Spontaneous Abortion)
A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation. It’s a common complication of early pregnancy.
🩸 Types of Miscarriage
1. Threatened miscarriage – vaginal bleeding occurs, but the cervix is closed and the pregnancy may continue.
2. Inevitable miscarriage – bleeding with cervical dilation; miscarriage cannot be prevented.
3. Incomplete miscarriage – some fetal or placental tissue remains in the uterus.
4. Complete miscarriage – all pregnancy tissue is expelled; uterus is empty.
5. Missed miscarriage – fetus has died, but there is no bleeding or expulsion yet.
6. Septic miscarriage – miscarriage complicated by infection.
🩸Common Causes
• Chromosomal abnormalities (most common in early miscarriages)
• Hormonal problems (e.g., low progesterone)
• Infections (TORCH, urinary, pelvic infections)
• Chronic diseases (uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid disease, hypertension)
• Uterine abnormalities (fibroids, septum)
• Lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol, drugs, stress)
• Trauma or exposure to toxins/radiation
🩸Symptoms
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Abdominal cramps or back pain
• Passage of tissue or clots
• Decreased pregnancy symptoms (like breast tenderness or nausea)
🩸Diagnosis
• Pelvic examination (to check if cervix is open or closed)
• Ultrasound (to check fetal heartbeat and tissue)
• hCG blood test (falling levels indicate miscarriage)
🩸Management
• Threatened: Bed rest, avoid in*******se, observe, sometimes progesterone support.
• Incomplete: Misoprostol (to expel remaining tissue) or D&C (dilation and curettage) if heavy bleeding.
• Missed: Misoprostol or surgical evacuation.
• Septic: IV antibiotics + evacuation of uterus.
🩸Aftercare & Emotional Support
• Monitor for infection or excessive bleeding.
• Rest and hydration.
• Counseling and emotional support — grief after miscarriage is normal.
• Wait 1–3 menstrual cycles before trying to conceive again (as advised by doctor).
