Miscarriage
Description
A spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week of pregnancy. The most common reason is a genetic defect in the fetus, other causes include: infection, physical problems in the mother, hormonal imbalance, immune system disease, serious systemic diseases of the mother (such as diabetes or thyroid disease). About 20% of pregnant women have some vaginal bleeding during the first 3 months of pregnancy, and half of these will have a miscarriage.
Symptoms
Low back pain, lower abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, tissue or clot-like material that passes from the vagina.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests include: qualitative HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin) to confirm pregnancy, quantitaive HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin) to estimate the age of the pregnancy, an ultrasound to determine if the fetus is alive and a blood type and Rh.
- CBC
- BHCG
- Ultrasound
Treatment
If an ultrasound demonstrates products of conception still in the uterus a dilation and curettage may be done. 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.
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