A miscarriage is when the fetus dies before twenty weeks of pregnancy. If a miscarriage is going to happen, it will usually occur within the first trimester of pregnancy. There are several causes for a miscarriage to happen. Some are from natural causes or something going wrong bodily within the mother and baby. Some miscarriages are brought on by stress or induced by trauma to the mother’s body.

Depending on how far along the pregnancy is, the symptoms of a miscarriage will vary. Sometimes a woman can miscarry before she is confirmed to even be pregnant. The symptoms of a miscarriage include but are not limited to heavy spotting, vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, cramping, back pain. A miscarriage can be scary, traumatic, and emotionally devastating.

There are several causes and reasons as to why a miscarriage occurs. Abnormalities within chromosomes will immediately induce a miscarriage. Chromosome abnormalities such as molar pregnancy, partial molar pregnancy, intrauterine fetal demise will immediately cause miscarriage. Hormones, street drugs, alcohol, abuse, and tobacco are also major causes of miscarriage.

There are different types of miscarriages. Most miscarriages happen because there is a problem with the pregnancy, so you cannot prevent them. There are steps that can be taken by a woman that will ensure the odds of a successful healthy pregnancy, and reduce the chance for a miscarriage. Not participating in any form of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco will greatly reduce this risk. Also avoiding physical abuse, overexertion, and stressful situations will help. Getting exercise regularly, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight will play a vital role in reducing the chance for miscarriage as well.

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We remember and honor the babies who have passed away due to miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, and due to other causes. 1 in 4 lives are forever changed by the death of a child during pregnancy, at birth and in infancy. Today, we want to honor these babies, raise awareness to the community, and encourage individuals and families to talk and get the support they need to cope with their  loss.

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Around 15% to 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. That includes known pregnancies. The number is likely higher due to early miscarriages that happen before a woman even knows she’s pregnant. Most occur between week 7 and week 12 after the last menstrual cycle.

Signs of Miscarriage

Vaginal bleeding is the most common sign of a miscarriage. It can be heavy or appear as light red or brown spotting. You may even mistake it for your period if it is early in the pregnancy. You may also experience:

• Fluid coming from the vagina
• Pain that can range from period cramps to strong contractions
• Pregnancy tissue or blood clots passing from the vagina

If you believe you may be miscarrying, you should contact your doctor right away. There is no official procedure for registering a miscarriage that happens before 24 weeks. Some hospitals may provide a certificate and/or offer funeral services.

What If I Miscarry at Home?

Some women have a miscarriage at home before they have the chance to talk to their OB/GYN or get to a hospital. If this happens, use pads to manage any bleeding. Try to save any pregnancy tissue you can. Your obstetrician can test it to sometimes figure out why you miscarried. You should get rest and contact your doctor as soon as you can to see follow up care.

You should be aware that while most of the time, the baby will be too small to identify, there may be situations if you are further along where you recognize it among the tissue that came out during miscarriage. It is normal to want to look at it, and what you decide to do should be left up to what is best for you.

It is best to understand what to do and what your options are before you become pregnant. It’s a situation no woman wants to face, but one that you should be prepared for in case the time comes. If you have questions about miscarriage, let us know. Schedule an appointment now to discuss risk factors that may apply to you.

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Dilation and curettage is a surgical procedure that’s also referred to as D&C. The cervix is dilated or opened, and a thin instrument is placed into the uterus to remove tissue. This procedure can be done in a hospital or doctor’s office.

Why Do I Need a D&C?

If your doctor recommends dilation and curettage, then you may be experiencing problems related to the uterus. This procedure is done to help treat conditions like abnormal bleeding or after a miscarriage. The tissue removed will be viewed under a microscope to look for abnormal cells that help your doctor determine an accurate diagnosis.

What Should I Expect During My D&C?

You may begin dilating before the procedure using a luminaria. This is a rod that’s inserted into the cervix several hours beforehand. It absorbs fluid and expands to open the cervix. Medication may also be taken to soften the tissue.

During your D&C, you will lay on your back with legs in stirrups. A speculum is inserted, and a series of slender rods are added to gradually enlarge your cervical opening. This is usually done to under half an inch. Suction or a curette are used to remove tissue from the uterus that’s sent to a lab for examination.

You should be able to go home after a few hours. Your gynecologist will advise you to have someone else there to drive. Most women can resume their normal activities after just a day or two. If you have questions about dilation and curettage, contact your Women’s Health and Menopause Center OBGYN to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

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