Miscarriage

About Miscarriage

A loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week of pregnancy. But most happen before the pregnancy is 12 weeks along. Miscarriage occurs commonly. About 15% to 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. The most common reason is failure of a fertilized egg to progress to an embryo or genetic changes that occur early on in the fetus. A common sign of miscarriage is vaginal bleeding, but many pregnancies with bleeding do not end in miscarriage.

Symptoms

Vaginal bleeding, lower abdominal pain, low back pain.

Tests & Diagnostics

A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests include: blood tests for qualitative HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin) to confirm pregnancy, quantitaive HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin) to estimate the age of the pregnancy, and blood type with Rh factor. Also a pelvic ultrasound will usually be done to determine if the fetus is alive.

Common tests: BHCG, Complete blood count (CBC), Ultrasound.

Conventional treatment summary

If an ultrasound demonstrates products of conception are still present in the uterus, a dilation and curettage may be done. Alternatively, misoprostol can be given to medically remove the contents of the pregnancy. Women who are Rh negative will receive a RhoGAM injection to prevent sensitization to future pregnancies.

Medical specialties

Obstetrics and Gynecology

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Miscarriage.