|
|
| |
What is a miscarriage?
A miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy and can happen at any stage. The chance of pregnancy ending in miscarriage is as high as 1 in 5, and miscarriage most commonly occurs in the first three months.
Why does it happen?
In those pregnancies where a cause is known, it seems to be related to the embryo not developing normally. Most women who miscarry will go on to have a successful pregnancy next time.
There is still a great deal not known about the possible causes of miscarriage and it is often difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. It is unlikely that anything you or your partner have done, for example, lifting, taking physical exercise or having sexual intercourse, would have caused you to miscarry.
What happens next?
What happens next depends on your symptoms and what the scan shows:
- If the womb is empty (known as a complete miscarriage) or if the pregnancy is ongoing, then we will send you home with advice and contact numbers.
- If the scan has shown that the pregnancy is no longer developing, then you have the following options (see below). It is important to remember that you do not have to make an immediate decision.
Options for care after miscarriage
Letting things take their course
In some situations it may be appropriate to wait for your body to complete the miscarriage process itself. We will talk to you about what symptoms you can expect, such as bleeding and pain, and what painkillers you can take. We will give you weekly follow-up appointments, and you have the option requesting surgery at any time (see below).
Taking tablets to speed up the process
This treatment involves having tablets in hospital to induce the miscarriage process. You will be given a date and time to attend for the first part of the treatment. You take oral medication and stay on the unit for about one hour to ensure that the tablets are absorbed. We will ask you to return to the unit two days later, when you may need to stay until early evening. A nurse will see you and give you the second part of the medication vaginally. You are likely to have some bleeding and crampy type pain - painkillers can be given for this. You will be given a follow-up appointment for two weeks later.
Having an operation
Depending on the situation, some people opt for surgery. We will explain the procedure and possible complications. Ideally we will give you a specific date to come in to hospital as a day case. However, depending on your symptoms and bed availability, you may need to stay overnight.
Caring for yourself after miscarriage:
- A small amount of vaginal bleeding (which will be dark red or brown in colour) for 7-10 days may be experienced. Should this become bright red or appear to be heavier than your normal period, please seek medical advice. It is advisable to use sanitary towels during this time because tampons can cause infection. If you usually have a regular cycle, your periods should return in 4-6 weeks.
- Your breasts may feel tender for several days but this will ease. It may be helpful to wear a firm, supportive bra during this time.
- You may bath or shower as normal but it is advisable not to go swimming until the bleeding has stopped.
- It is advisable not to have sexual intercourse for 2-3 weeks.
- It is important that you rest and take time off from work for a few days.
- If a follow-up appointment is necessary it is arranged before you leave hospital. You might need a follow-up visit to discuss any results and future pregnancies.
Emotions
Miscarriage can shake both you and your partner and you may experience ups and downs over the next few weeks. Some people will adjust to the loss quickly while others take much longer. You and your partner may want to think about the meaning of what has happened to you and to try to make some sense of it. You will have the opportunity to discuss any questions you may have. Women/couples can also have time alone with the counsellor. Your stay in hospital is usually short, and it may not be the ideal time for you to discuss your feelings. The offer of counselling can be taken up at any time and you can come back to the hospital to see the counsellor
Future pregnancies
We advise that you wait for one normal period before attempting to conceive again. The chances are that your next pregnancy will be successful, as in most cases one or two miscarriages do not mean that you are likely to have another. To minimize any risk it makes sense to get as fit as possible before your next pregnancy. This means:
- Taking folic acid 0.4mgs from three months before and for three months of the pregnancy.
- Stopping smoking and cutting down on your alcohol intake.
- Eating a balanced diet.
- You are up-to-date with your cervical smears and rubella immunization.
If you fall pregnant again and are concerned, contact us. We are happy to give advice or to arrange an early scan for you to put your mind at rest and to offer you support in the early stages of your pregnancy.
Miscarriage Association
|
|
