Miscarriage

Pregnancy loss during the first 20 weeks is called a miscarriage. Early miscarriage is a common complication of pregnancy, and it frequently happens even before a woman misses a period, or knows that she is pregnant. The cause of miscarriage often is not known. Most factors that cause a miscarriage are genetic. Sometimes a miscarriage is caused by the woman's health problems such as uncontrolled diabetes, or use of illegal drugs. You need to know it is unlikely that an early miscarriage could have been prevented. So, do not blame yourself if you are experiencing a pregnancy loss. The most common symptoms are vaginal bleeding, abdominal or pelvic pain or cramps, gushing fluids, and passing fetal tissues. Often when a miscarriage occurs early in pregnancy, tissue is left in the uterus. If there is concern about heavy bleeding or infection, this tissue will be removed. The tissue can be part of the fetus, part of the placenta (tissue that provides nourishment to the fetus), or both. The tissue frequently removed through a procedure called D&C (dilation and curettage). Sometimes, in very early incomplete pregnancy losses, you doctor may prescribe medications to help your uterus passes the remaining tissues. You can ovulate and become pregnant as soon as 2 weeks after an early miscarriage. If you do not wish to become pregnant again right away, be sure to use birth control. For couples who experience repeated miscarriages, further investigation may be required.