Miscarriage

What is a miscarriage?

From: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

A miscarriage is an unexpected loss of pregnancy before the 20th week. Most miscarriages happen very early in the pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant.

What causes a miscarriage?

From: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

A miscarriage can happen in any pregnancy. Most miscarriages occur because the fetus doesn't develop properly. This is often linked to a genetic problem with the fetus, such as an extra or missing chromosome.

In many cases, the cause of a miscarriage is unknown. Some possible factors that may increase the chance of a miscarriage can include:

• Problems with the uterus or cervix
• Chronic diseases, including polycystic ovary syndrome
• Genetic problems with the fetus
• Pregnancy after 35 years of age
• Smoking, drug or alcohol use
• Certain chronic (long-term) health conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes
• Severe malnutrition

What are the signs of a miscarriage?

From: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

The signs of a miscarriage may be different for everyone and can vary based on how far along you are in your pregnancy.

Signs of a miscarriage can include:

• Vaginal spotting or bleeding with or without pain. Some women may have some spotting in early pregnancy and don't miscarry. To be sure, contact your provider right away if you have any bleeding.
• Dark-colored vaginal discharge.
• A gush of fluid or tissue from your vagina.
• Cramping or pain in your abdomen (belly) or lower back.

Sometimes, it's hard to know what's normal during pregnancy. If something seems unusual or is worrying you, talk to your provider.

How is a miscarriage diagnosed?

From: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

To check if you have had a miscarriage, your provider may do the following:

• A pelvic exam to check your cervix.
• Blood tests to check things such as the amount of blood loss and confirm pregnancy.
• An ultrasound to check the fetus.

What is the treatment for a miscarriage?

From: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

Treatment after a miscarriage often depends on when it occurs during the pregnancy. If you miscarry early in your pregnancy, you may not need any treatment. If you are 12 or more weeks pregnant, you may need a shot to prevent problems with the Rh factor in future pregnancies.

In some cases, tissue is left in the uterus. If you don't have any signs of infection, your provider may recommend waiting for the tissue to pass naturally. If you need treatment to remove the tissue, it can include:

• Medicines
• A procedure called dilatation and curettage (D&C) or vacuum aspiration

No matter when it occurs, losing a pregnancy can be difficult. Counseling may help you cope with your grief. Later, if you decide to try to get pregnant again, talk with your provider to understand any risks. Many women who have a miscarriage go on to have healthy pregnancies later.

Can a miscarriage be prevented?

From: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

Miscarriage can affect anyone and often can't be prevented. Focus on taking good care of yourself and start prenatal care visits early in your pregnancy.

Understanding terms used in the source

These definitions explain medical words used above. A definition is not evidence that another condition is present, and it does not predict how a symptom will develop. Ask the clinician which terms apply to the actual examination or test result.

Miscarriage

A pregnancy that ends at a stage in which the fetus is incapable of surviving on its own, defined as the spontaneous loss of a fetus before the 22th week of pregnancy.

Healthy

No history of any serious disease, including the disease being investigated in the proband.

Which doctor should you see?

The suggested department for discussing Miscarriage is Obstetrics and Gynaecology, with a obstetrician-gynaecologist as the relevant type of clinician. Obstetrician-gynaecologist; paediatric services for children as appropriate.

This is an editorial referral starting point. The appropriate clinic depends on the person’s age, symptoms, previous diagnosis and local services. The first clinician can decide whether another specialty or a team is needed; a department label does not confirm the diagnosis.

How to prepare for an assessment

Bring a short timeline of the main symptoms: when they first appeared, whether they are constant or episodic, what seems to change them, and how they affect daily activities. Include previous reports, discharge summaries, current medicines and supplements, allergies, and any relevant family history. A dated record is more useful than trying to match every feature in an online article.

Ask the clinician what is already established and what remains uncertain. If a test is suggested, ask what question it answers, what its limitations are and how the result would change the next step. The information here is not an instruction to arrange every possible test. In children, bring growth, developmental and school information if it is relevant to the concern.

• How do age, pregnancy status and reproductive goals affect the assessment?
• Which changes in bleeding, pain or general health need prompt review?
• What are the benefits and risks of the available options in this situation?

Treatment discussions and follow-up

Where the source describes treatments, these are an overview of possible care, not a prescription for an individual. Ask which option applies to the confirmed diagnosis, what benefit is expected, what adverse effects to watch for and how progress will be assessed. Availability, approvals and local practice can differ from the country described in the source.

Before leaving the appointment, clarify the next review date, who will communicate results, and whom to contact if the situation changes. Discuss difficulties with sleep, work, school, mobility, eating or emotional wellbeing when these are relevant. Practical support may require coordination between the treating clinician and other services.

The collected references do not establish a complete prevention or long-term outlook section for this entry. Missing information should not be interpreted as proof that prevention is impossible or that a particular outcome is inevitable. Ask what is known for the exact subtype, stage and personal circumstances, and which uncertainties remain.

When to seek emergency help

Severe breathing difficulty, collapse, new stroke-like symptoms, a seizure that is prolonged or repeated without recovery, uncontrolled major bleeding, or an immediate risk of self-harm require emergency help. In India, call 112 or reach the nearest emergency department. This is a general, non-exhaustive warning list; it is not a condition-specific triage tool.