A miscarriage is pregnancy loss before the twentieth week of pregnancy. Miscarriages can happen anytime during the pregnancy, but most occurs in the first trimester. Chromosomal abnormalities are the leading cause of miscarriages. Structural abnormalities of the uterus and cervix, infections, and medical conditions like thyroid disease are other causes of miscarriage. The common signs of miscarriage include heavy bleeding with clots, cramps, abdominal pains, and lower back aches. Your Bedford CARE Fertility doctor can diagnose the cause of your miscarriage and offer an effective treatment. There are many myths and misconceptions about miscarriage, and here are some.
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The cause of miscarriage is unknown
Miscarriage can result from many factors, but some cases have an unknown cause. About half of all miscarriages are caused by genetic problems with the fetus. Uterus and cervix disorders and chronic disorders such as lupus and hyperthyroidism can also lead to a miscarriage. Infections like listeriosis, a form of food poisoning, and sexually transmitted diseases can trigger a miscarriage.
You do not require treatment after a miscarriage
You should see your healthcare provider anytime you experience a miscarriage. Your doctor will ensure no pregnancy tissue remains in your uterus. In most cases, women pass all the tissue over several weeks. If the tissues do not come out or you do not want to wait that long, your doctor can prescribe medicines to help with the process. Your doctor can also surgically remove the remains through a procedure known as a dilation and curettage.
A miscarriage is not a big problem
Losing a pregnancy can affect your physical and emotional health. It can also affect your partner emotionally. Research by American Psychological Association shows that if you experience a miscarriage, you are at a high risk of developing depression or anxiety. If you lose a pregnancy, ensure you give yourself and your partner time to grieve. If your grief becomes severe, talk to your doctor for professional counseling.
If you get multiple miscarriages, you will never give birth
Most multiple miscarriages have identifiable causes. Your doctor can perform various tests to determine the cause of your miscarriage to develop a treatment plan. If you have antiphospholipid syndrome, your doctor can prescribe low-dose aspirin and injectable medications to help maintain your next pregnancy. Surgery can help structural disorders. Most women who experience miscarriages get healthy pregnancies and deliver healthy babies later in life.
Your prior birth control method can lead to a miscarriage
Birth control pills function by stopping ovulation, the possibility of the ovum meeting with the sperm after sex and fertilization. When you stop using the medications, ovulation resumes, and you can conceive. In cases of IUDs which usually prevent fertilization and implantation, you can get pregnant any time from the time you remove it. If your contraception method fails and you get unplanned pregnancy, you have no risk of miscarriage. Birth control methods cannot increase the chances of getting miscarriages.
A miscarriage is pregnancy loss before the twentieth week of pregnancy. Miscarriages can result from chromosomal abnormalities, structural disorders, and medical conditions. You can still get a healthy pregnancy after a miscarriage, so do not let myths and misconceptions stop you from getting medical care. Schedule an appointment at CARE Fertility for miscarriage treatment to achieve a healthy pregnancy.
