Facts on Miscarriage

There are many common misconceptions about what causes a miscarriage: that a miscarriage can occur as a result of stress, straining when lifting, or sex, for example, is simply not true.

In this article:

What is a miscarriage?

Symptoms

Causes

Diagnosis

Effect on your life

Treatment

How Chemist Online can help

Advice & Support

What is miscarriage?
A miscarriage is where the loss of a pregnancy occurs. This is usually at any stage up to the 24th week of pregnancy. A miscarriage is not the same as a stillbirth which is where a baby is lost after the 24th week.

The general ratio of the number of pregnancies that end in miscarriage is about 1 in 4.

Symptoms
Symptoms of miscarriage include:

The passing of tissue from the vagina

Lower abdominal pain

Vaginal bleeding

Stomach cramps

Disappearance of pregnancy-related symptoms, such as having tender breasts or feeling nauseous


Causes
Causes of miscarriages can include:

A chromosome fault – an isolated genetic mistake

Hormonal imbalances

Uterus abnormalities

Infections such as listeria and rubella

Weakness of the cervix

Obesity

Alcohol abuse

Smoking

Drugs use

Excessive caffeine during pregnancy

Diagnosis
If you are experiencing vaginal bleeding during your pregnancy, then this could be a strong indication of miscarriage. If this vaginal bleeding occurs (or you experience severe lower abdominal pain and/or cramps) then call an ambulance or seek medical attention immediately.

If you have suffered a miscarriage then this will be confirmed during an ultrasound scan.

Effect on your life
For couples who lose a baby through miscarriage, this is obviously extremely upsetting. If you feel that you cannot discuss your feelings with your partner, or really need the advice and counselling skills of a trained counsellor, then ask about this at your local medical practise (you can go alone or as a couple). Many people who go through the distress and trauma of miscarriage say that they find this can be a huge comfort. If you feel unable to do this, then, rather than bottling up your feelings, it might be helpful to confide in a close family member of friend.

Treatment
Treatment options for miscarriage include:

An operation to ‘clear the uterus’ – to ensure that all pregnancy tissue has gone (although, for most women, the tissue gradually passes out naturally within a few days of the miscarriage)

Medication (oral or inserted into the vagina) – also to ‘clear the uterus’. This may be preferable as it does not involve hospitalisation

Advice & Support
The Miscarriage Association
Tel: 01924 200799
Website: www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk

Scottish Care and Information on Miscarriage (SCIM)
Tel: 0141 552 5070
Website: www.miscarriagesupport.org.uk


This information and advice is not intended to replace the advice of your GP or chemist. Chemist Online is also not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based upon the content of the Chemist Online website. Chemist Online is also not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites.



www.chemistonline.co.uk


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