What is Miscarriage?

Miscarriage is an ill-fated occurrence that can happen to any woman. This is a condition of any pregnancy that spontaneously ends before the fetus can survive. It can happen for no reason but by understanding what miscarriage is, one can learn how to treat such situation and can understand why pregnancy examinations such as pregnancy scans is necessary.

The World Health Organization or the WHO distinguishes miscarriage as the sudden termination of pregnancy prior to the ability of the fetus to have a feasible extra uterine existence. During this time, the fetus can weigh less than 500 grams. Miscarriage is also termed as spontaneous abortion.

Spontaneous abortion should be treated as medical emergencies. It is important that immediate action is taken when miscarriage is suspected.
Pain is usually felt along with miscarriage. In fact, it is the major symptom. Pains experienced develop in the lower abdomen, pubic area and also in most case over the lower back and sacrum. This pain can be felt alternately and worsen through time.

The most significant sign of spontaneous abortion is bleeding through the vagina. This may appear as slight spotting and can go severe. Other symptoms are fast pulse, weakness and exhaustion, pallor of the face, and anxiety.

It is easier for mothers to recognize miscarriage confirmed after pregnancy rather than a woman who is not aware that she is pregnant. For instance when pregnancy is just 2 or 3 weeks old, the pregnancy ends suddenly in a spontaneous abortion and the woman may not be aware of it. A more critical condition is when the mother did not seek advice from a physician in time. This then falls as missed abortion or incomplete abortion.

Incomplete or missed abortion can pose fertility issues in the future when not properly attended to. It can lead to sterility or if severe to septicemia. D&C or dilatation and cutterage procedure should be conducted so as to clean the uterus and other waste matters.

To confirm a miscarriage, the doctor will check fetal viability. This will check if the fetus is alive or not. Performing pregnancy scans will also check the internal condition of the fetus in the uterus. It is recommended that an expectant mom avoids tedious activities during the pregnancy period. Being religious into taking medical examinations like pregnancy scans is equally important.