The risk increases as a woman ages. Early pregnancy loss occurs in more than one-third of pregnancies in women older than 40 years.<\/p>\n
What causes miscarriage?<\/h3>\n
About one-half of early pregnancy losses are due to genetic problems. These are due to a random genetic error when the sperm fertilizes the egg. During fertilization, the embryo ends up with an abnormal number of chromosomes, the cellular structures that carry genes.<\/p>\n
Sperm and egg cells each have 23 chromosomes. When they come together during fertilization, a normal embryo should have a total of 46 chromosomes.<\/p>\n
If the embryo ends up with an abnormal combination of chromosomes it can not develop. Miscarriage is the result.<\/p>\n
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Photo by\u00a0Eric Ward<\/a>\u00a0on\u00a0Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n When women experience a pregnancy loss they often look to assign blame. They feel guilty and wonder what they did wrong.<\/p>\n It is important to know. We can not make ourselves miscarry.<\/p>\n Working, exercising, lifting things, having sex, getting angry, or feeling sad does not cause early pregnancy loss.<\/p>\n Some behaviors may increase the risk of miscarriage. Tobacco, alcohol, and drug use must be avoided. Any medications should be reviewed with your Obgyn.<\/p>\n Consuming\u00a0200 mg or less of caffeine a day<\/a>\u00a0(the amount in two cups of coffee) does not appear to increase the risk of early pregnancy loss.<\/p>\n Bleeding and cramping are the most common symptoms of early pregnancy loss. Up to 50% of first-trimester pregnant women experience some amount of bleeding. First trimester bleeding is common, but never normal. Obgyns always want to evaluate a pregnant woman who is bleeding.<\/p>\n Most of the time, early pregnancy bleeding resolves, and the pregnancy continues without a problem. Bleeding and cramping can be signs of other pregnancy problems, such as miscarriage, subchorionic hematomas, and ectopic pregnancy.<\/p>\n The first step in evaluation is a physical exam. Next, an ultrasound exam will be done to confirm there is a live baby located inside of the uterus.<\/p>\n If the pregnancy is too early to be visualized by ultrasound, the doctor may monitor the hormone levels. Typically, bHCG and progesterone are used to track early pregnancy.<\/p>\n When a woman has a pregnancy loss, the remaining tissue must be removed from the uterus. In some cases, this will happen naturally. A woman will experience bleeding and cramping and expel the tissue.<\/p>\n In other cases, medication can be used to help pass the tissue. When medication is used, bleeding is heavier than a menstrual period. Cramping pain, diarrhea, and nausea are common.<\/p>\n Often women choose a minor surgery called a dilation and curettage (D&C). In a D&C, the cervix is dilated, and an instrument is used to remove the pregnancy tissue. A D&C usually is done in an ambulatory surgical center. General anesthesia or regional anesthesia may be used.<\/p>\n Most women who experience a miscarriage will be able to get pregnant in the future with no complications. One miscarriage does not mean something is wrong.<\/p>\n Testing can be done for those with repeated pregnancy losses to evaluate for an underlying cause.<\/p>\n The first period is often disrupted after a miscarriage. Ovulation occurs about two weeks after the BCHG drops to zero.<\/p>\n If you want to get pregnant, you can start trying right away.<\/p>\n If you do not want to get pregnant, please consider one of the many available birth control options.<\/p>\n Thank you to <\/span><\/i>BeingWell<\/span><\/i><\/a> for publishing this article on Medium<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n This article was contributed by <\/em>Dr. Rebecca Gray<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Sources:\u00a0August 2015 by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists<\/a><\/p>\n Main Blog Photo By:Taktaks Istock by Getty<\/a><\/p>\nHow can I avoid a miscarriage?<\/h3>\n
How do I know if I am having a miscarriage?<\/h3>\n
How do doctors diagnose a miscarriage?<\/h3>\n
What is the treatment for miscarriage?<\/h3>\n
Will a miscarriage prevent me from getting pregnant in the future?<\/h3>\n
When can we try again after miscarriage?<\/h3>\n
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