Signs of an incipient miscarriage in the early stages. How does spontaneous abortion occur?

Approximately every fifth pregnancy ends in spontaneous miscarriage. In most cases, miscarriages occur at very early stages, when the woman is not even aware of her pregnancy. There are practically no signs of miscarriage in the early stages up to 2 weeks of pregnancy.

Symptoms of spontaneous miscarriage after the third week of pregnancy:

1. Vaginal discharge mixed with blood

The most reliable, but at the same time, the most formidable symptom of the onset of spontaneous abortion is the appearance of uterine bleeding of any intensity - even light discharge of ichor. As a rule, at the beginning of a miscarriage, the blood is brownish in color, and as the bleeding intensifies, it becomes bright scarlet in color. The intensity of bleeding can also be very diverse and vary from a few drops to very, very intense. Bleeding without medical intervention can continue for quite a long time. If there is severe blood loss, it will no longer be possible to save the child, but if the discharge is still spotting, then it is necessaryurgently seek help from a doctor.

2. Pain in the uterus and ovaries.

There is an opinion that a miscarriage is always accompanied by severe pain. However, this is not always the case - in some cases, spontaneous termination of pregnancy is absolutely painless. But most often the pain appears and then disappears again. Under no circumstances should you ignore pain in your back or lower abdomen - this may signal a threat of termination of pregnancy or the onset of a miscarriage. If pain occurs, consult a doctor immediately - only a doctor knows for sure how a miscarriage occurs and whether it is still possible to try to save your pregnancy.

3. Regular and painful uterine tone

Sometimes during pregnancy there is a feeling of strong tension in the lower abdomen. in the early stages it is not so noticeable, but any woman can feel it if she pays attention to this symptom. Increased tone is a contraction of the muscles of the uterus.
What are the symptoms of uterine tone?
Uterine tone during pregnancy is accompanied by a number of symptoms:
- Tension and heaviness in the lower abdomen;
- Painful sensations in the lower abdomen, reminiscent of contractions;
- Pain in the pubic area and lower back;
- Firmness to the touch of the abdomen;
- Feeling as if the uterus were turning to stone;
- Shortening of the cervix - this can be seen by the doctor during examination;
- Bloody issues. In this case, you should immediately call an ambulance and see a doctor.

Does uterine tone lead to miscarriage? Most doctors are inclined to believe that no, if the tone is not regular and not painful. If tone occurs, gynecologists recommend using safe antispasmodics and lying down until everything returns to normal.

Causes of spontaneous miscarriages in the first trimester (first 12 weeks).

1. Hormonal imbalance, incl. increased content of male sex hormones in the body of a pregnant woman

If a woman in early pregnancy has a disruption in her body's normal hormonal levels, spontaneous abortion is possible. Most often, miscarriages are a consequence of a lack of the most important hormone in the body of a pregnant woman - progesterone. If the problem is detected in a timely manner, the pregnancy can be saved in most cases. To do this, a gynecologist-endocrologist prescribes a course of treatment for a pregnant woman with hormonal pharmacological drugs.

Another hormonal problem is the increased content of male sex hormones in the body of a pregnant woman. These hormones significantly reduce the normal production of progesterone and estrogens, which are responsible for the normal development and course of pregnancy. The hormones produced by the adrenal cortex and the thyroid gland are also responsible for the successful course of pregnancy. Be sure to monitor the condition of these organs before pregnancy. Quite often, spontaneous miscarriage in the early stages is caused by this very reason.

2. Causes of immunological nature

Sometimes a pregnant woman experiences a complication such as Rh conflict. This happens if the embryo inherits a negative Rh factor from the father, and the mother has a positive Rh factor. As a result, the pregnant woman’s body perceives the embryo as something foreign to it and begins to reject them. In this case, to prevent spontaneous abortion, doctors also treat the pregnant woman with drugs containing the hormone progesterone, which in this case is the strongest immunomodulator.

3. Presence of genetic disorders in the embryo

According to geneticists, approximately 75% of all spontaneous abortions occur precisely because the fetus has various variants of a genetic disorder. However, do not be alarmed - in most cases, these genetic defects are random. The cause of such mutations can be a variety of environmental factors - exposure to various viruses, radiation, etc. And a pregnancy interrupted for this reason is a kind of “natural selection” that is necessary for nature in order to get rid of non-viable and sick offspring. Most often, it is almost impossible to avoid such miscarriages. And is it worth it? After all, if nature itself is trying to avoid the birth of such a child, it means that he really suffers from serious pathologies, perhaps completely incompatible with life. After all, if nature itself provokes a miscarriage, the reasons are quite serious.

The only thing that can be done in this situation is to try to avoid its occurrence long before the expected pregnancy by visiting a geneticist who will give you advice on how to do this or at least reduce the risk to the possible minimum. However, unfortunately, given the large number of negative impacts of various factors in the modern world, the risk of developing such gene mutations always remains.

4. Presence of infectious diseases in a pregnant woman

There are a huge number of different sexually transmitted infections that provoke spontaneous abortion in the early stages: toxoplasmosis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, syphilis, gonorrhea and others. And herpes and cytomegalovirus are responsible for 20% of all spontaneous miscarriages in early pregnancy.

A large number of different infections can often occur without any signs of disease at all, that is, asymptomatic. Therefore, before you decide to become pregnant, be sure to undergo a complete examination of the body, incl. and for the presence of sexually transmitted infections.

A miscarriage occurs as a result of pathogenic viruses and bacteria leading to infection of the embryo and damage to the membranes. In order to avoid this, you need to undergo treatment before pregnancy. If this cannot be avoided, treatment must be started as quickly as possible in order to reduce the risk and degree of negative impact on the embryo.

5. Chronic diseases of internal organs and weakened immunity

If a woman at the very beginning of pregnancy has suffered from a disease that is accompanied by intoxication of the body and a significant increase in body temperature, the probability of spontaneous termination of pregnancy is very high. The most dangerous diseases are influenza, viral hepatitis and rubella.

However, even the most common sore throat or runny nose suffered in the first weeks of pregnancy can provoke a miscarriage, not to mention such serious diseases as pyelonephritis, pneumonia or appendicitis. Such diseases are a very serious complication that threatens the successful course of pregnancy and the birth of a healthy child.

It is very important to undergo a complete medical examination before planning a pregnancy. This measure is necessary in order to identify all foci of chronic inflammation present in a woman’s body and promptly begin treatment aimed at eliminating them. But even if it was not possible to get rid of chronic diseases before pregnancy, it is necessary to consult a doctor as early as possible.

6. History of abortion

Many women have had abortions for whatever reason. An abortion is not just a surgical intervention on a woman’s body, but a very serious stress for it. As a result of artificial termination of pregnancy, complications may arise in a woman’s body: significant dysfunction of the adrenal cortex, ovaries and the occurrence of various inflammatory processes in the genital organs. They very often lead to disruption of the normal process of bearing subsequent pregnancies. Both habitual miscarriages and secondary infertility are all consequences of induced abortions. This is why it is so important to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancies. And if, nevertheless, an abortion could not be avoided, when your next pregnancy occurs, inform your gynecologist that you have previously terminated your pregnancy.

7. Taking medications and certain herbs

Medicines have the ability to penetrate the placental barrier and have a negative effect on the fetus. Taking medications is especially dangerous whenI trimester (first 12 weeks) of pregnancy, because It is during this period that the laying and formation of all the vital organs of the fetus occurs. And if during this period the fetus is exposed to drugs, fetal developmental defects and, as a consequence, premature termination of pregnancy are possible.

The most dangerous are painkillers containing codeine, some antibiotics, and hormonal contraceptives, especially Postinor. If you took these medications during pregnancy, while you were unaware of it, be sure to inform your gynecologist about this. Such pregnancies require more careful monitoring by doctors. And, if such a need arises, drugs in case of a threat of miscarriage should also be prescribed only by a doctor.

There is a very widespread absolutely false belief that a woman needs to be treated with traditional medicine, that is, herbs. In fact, a pregnant woman should be extremely careful when using herbs. Many herbs have a very strong negative effect on the body of a pregnant woman and the formation of the fetus. The most dangerous herbs in the early stages are tansy, St. John's wort, and nettle. Also, a pregnant woman should remember that such a harmless seasoning as the familiar parsley often causes an increase in the tone of the uterus and, as a result, spontaneous termination of pregnancy.

8. Stressful situations

The reasons for early miscarriage are often trivial. Very often, various stressful situations have an extremely negative impact on the normal course of pregnancy. Such a stressful situation could be the death of a loved one, divorce, or tense relationships with relatives. However, loved ones should remember that under the influence of certain hormones, the emotional background of a pregnant woman becomes very, very unstable. And the cause of severe stress can be even the most insignificant reason - an accidentally dropped word or a broken cup.

If, due to some life circumstances, a pregnant woman is nevertheless forced to be exposed to various stressful situations, she needs to tell her doctor about the current situation, who will prescribe her sedatives that have a beneficial effect on the state of the nervous system. Under no circumstances should you take any sedative medications without consulting a doctor, because... many of them can cause significant harm to the embryo and provoke spontaneous abortion.

Lifting weights and other physical activity provoke spontaneous abortion in only 5% of all cases of miscarriage, but such a danger should in no case be ignored. Try to avoid heavy physical work during pregnancy, or at least distribute the load evenly, alternating it with rest.

And it is absolutely unacceptable to lift heavy objects. The maximum allowable weight for a pregnant woman is five kilograms. However, very often the actual weight of bags with groceries exceeds it several times. And if there is already an older child in the family, then pulling sleds, strollers, and bicycles becomes a sacred mother’s duty. But you shouldn’t do this - it’s better to ask one of your friends, neighbors or relatives. Especially if the woman already has symptoms of a miscarriage.

10. Falls and other injuries

And a pregnant woman may find herself in an extreme situation, for example, getting into a car accident or simply slipping and falling. As a rule, in such situations, the embryo rarely suffers, since it is well protected: by amniotic fluid, the walls of the amniotic sac, the mother’s muscle mass and her fat layer. However, if such a problem happens to you, be on the safe side and seek medical help.

11. Taking a hot bath

Very rarely, but the cause of spontaneous miscarriage can still be a pregnant woman’s abuse of baths with excessively hot water and prolonged stay in it. No one is advocating for a pregnant woman to completely avoid taking a bath, but it is important to remember simple precautions. In particular, the water should not be too hot, and the duration of the bath should not be more than 15 minutes. Otherwise, there is a risk of spontaneous abortion.

12. Bad habits

The course of pregnancy is very negatively affected by the presence of bad habits such as smoking or alcohol abuse in a pregnant woman. But the lack of walks in the fresh air, daily routine, and abuse of caffeine-containing drinks also has a very negative effect not only on the health of a pregnant woman, but also on the development of the fetus. Otherwise, spontaneous abortion is also possible.

Miscarriage can often be avoided if you seek prompt medical attention. There are several stages of spontaneous miscarriage: in the first two, the pregnancy can still be preserved, while the rest inevitably lead to the loss of the child.

1. Threat of miscarriage

This stage is characterized by the appearance of aching pain in the lumbar region and/or lower abdomen. After this, mild bleeding from the genital tract may appear. If such signs appear, a woman should immediately call an ambulance or seek help from a medical facility herself. If immediate treatment is started at this stage, then in most cases the pregnancy can be saved. Some women remain in this condition almost throughout their pregnancy.

2. Started abortion

This stage is characterized by the appearance of noticeable pain in the sacrum and abdomen. In this case, the pain is cramping in nature. Following the pain, bloody discharge from the genital tract appears, which significantly intensifies with the woman’s movements. Soon the woman begins to complain of feeling weak and severely dizzy. However, even at this stage of spontaneous abortion, pregnancy can still be saved if you immediately seek medical help.

Therefore, with any bleeding, even the most minor, immediate medical attention is simply necessary.Of course, in some cases treatment is carried out at home. But most often in such situations, gynecologists prefer to place the woman for inpatient treatment in gynecological departments. A pregnant woman should under no circumstances refuse the proposed hospitalization.

You should also not be afraid of hormonal treatment offered by doctors - after all, most often it is hormonal imbalances that threaten the normal course of pregnancy. And hormonal levels simply need to be normalized. Thus, the factor that provokes the threat of termination of pregnancy will disappear. And the hormones that doctors inject you are precisely those that the body would receive naturally in the absence of hormonal disruptions.

3. Miscarriage in progress

During the stage of spontaneous abortion during pregnancy, a woman feels a sharp and severe pain in the lower abdomen and lower back. Painful sensations are accompanied by significant blood loss. At this stage of miscarriage, the fertilized egg dies, and the pregnancy can no longer be maintained. But sometimes the death of a miscarriage occurs several days before the onset of the miscarriage. In this case, the fertilized egg will not leave the uterus entirely, like a round, grayish bubble, but in parts. This phenomenon is called incomplete miscarriage.

4. Completed abortion

After the dead fertilized egg is completely expelled from the uterine cavity, it begins to contract, restoring its previous size. Bleeding after expulsion of the fertilized egg and contraction of the uterus almost completely stops. Complete miscarriage must be confirmed by ultrasound.

There is another option for spontaneous miscarriage - frozen pregnancy or failed miscarriage.

With this phenomenon, the fertilized egg dies for some reason, but it is not expelled. The woman’s signs of pregnancy disappear, and her overall health significantly worsens. During an ultrasound examination, the doctor notes the death of the fetus. In this case, the question of whether cleaning is needed after a miscarriage does not even arise - a miscarriage as such does not occur. And the only way to eliminate the fertilized egg and residues is precisely by curettage of the uterine cavity.

Curettage of the uterine cavity

After a miscarriage, if it occurs outside a hospital setting, the woman should seek medical help. Only a doctor will be able to objectively assess the woman’s condition, as well as whether cleaning the uterine cavity is necessary. Do not under any circumstances refuse uterine curettage if your doctor insists on it. The consequences can be serious, because complete expulsion of the fetus and membranes occurs extremely rarely. In most cases, a woman needs surgical curettage of the uterine cavity to remove any remaining fertilized egg or membranes. Otherwise, they will immediately begin to decompose, forming a wonderful breeding ground for the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms, which will immediately lead to the development of various inflammatory processes in the female body.

The procedure for surgical curettage:

1. Preparation

First, the woman will be given an enema and her pubic hair will be removed. After this, the woman will be interviewed by an anesthesiologist who will find out which type of anesthesia is best suited for her.

2. Examination by a gynecologist

The gynecologist who will perform the curettage will conduct a general examination of the woman using mirrors to determine the condition of the cervix and vaginal mucosa. This will also be followed by an obstetric manual examination, the purpose of which is to determine the size of the uterus, its shape and location.

3. Anesthesia

This may be general anesthesia, in which the woman is unconscious and unaware of what is happening. This type of anesthesia is used most often - it saves the woman from additional stress, and allows doctors to calmly and quickly do their work. However, in some cases, if there are contraindications, the operation is performed under local anesthesia. To do this, injections with an anesthetic are made into the cervix, which blocks the nerve endings responsible for pain.

4. Operation

The woman remains on the gynecological chair throughout the operation. Before the manipulation begins, the woman’s genitals will be treated with an iodine solution (5%). Afterwards, the mucous membranes of the vagina and cervix will be treated with an alcohol solution, after which the curettage itself begins.

Using vaginal speculum, the gynecologist will expose the woman’s cervix. After this, if the cervical canal is not open enough, the doctor will use dilators to widen it to the required extent. After this, using a special spoon-shaped curette, the doctor will remove the remains of the fertilized egg or membranes. After this, using a sharp curette, the doctor will scrape the uterine mucosa. This measure is necessary in order to prevent the development of inflammatory processes in the uterine cavity.

5. Histological examination

After curettage of the uterine cavity is performed, the biological material will be sent for histological examination to the laboratory. Histology after a miscarriage is simply mandatory. And if this is not the first miscarriage, or if it is a habitual miscarriage, then for genetic research. Such a measure will help to establish what exactly was the cause of the miscarriages.

After surgery, be sure to follow requirements for postoperative physiological rehabilitation :

1. Monitor vaginal discharge. If you have the slightest doubt, consult your doctor immediately.

2. Monitor your body temperature. Its increase, as a rule, signals the beginning of an inflammatory process in the body. See a doctor immediately if you have the slightest increase in body temperature.

3. Keep your genitals clean. Wash your genitals with antiseptic solutions at least twice a day. Change sanitary pads promptly to avoid the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

Don't neglect advice on psychological rehabilitation after a miscarriage, they are as important as recommendations regarding the woman’s physical health.

1. Come to terms with this loss and tune in to a new, positive result. The body is physically ready for a new pregnancy 1-2 months after a miscarriage. However, much longer time is needed for psychological rehabilitation. Often a woman cannot come to terms with the loss of a child for many months, especially if the pregnancy was desired and long-awaited.

2. Don’t withdraw into yourself, experiencing pain and despair alone. Be sure to tell your loved ones about your feelings – your husband, mother, friend. If after this you do not feel better, it would be much wiser to seek help from a psychologist. Ignoring such a problem can lead to the development of prolonged chronic depression.

3. There is a specific mental disorder of women who have lost a child as a result of miscarriage. Very often they have an obsessive idea that the miscarriage did not occur, and that the baby was not affected during the cleaning. As a rule, such women buy a pregnancy test at the pharmacy, which often turns out to be positive. And the test results are the same because the woman’s hormonal levels simply did not have time to return to their original state. But it is precisely on the basis of the hormone content in the urine that the test determines the presence or absence of pregnancy.

4. No matter how hard it is to think about it immediately after a miscarriage, the best way to get rid of melancholy is the onset of a new, successful pregnancy. However, we should not forget that, in order to avoid a repetition of the tragedy, it is necessary to carefully prepare for it. A woman must undergo a full examination, be tested for all hidden infections, and have an ultrasound examination. And only after receiving permission from a gynecologist is pregnancy possible after a miscarriage.

5. Never despair. Very little time will pass and you will again see two such long-awaited stripes on the test. And this time you will definitely go through the entire pregnancy journey from the very beginning to the birth of your baby! Don't be afraid that after a miscarriage you will no longer be able to see two lines on the test. And how to do this as quickly as possible - read in the best book on how to get pregnant.

Pregnancy is one of the most wonderful periods in the life of every woman. Expectant mothers are especially beautiful, and their eyes radiate so much happiness and warmth that they could warm the whole world. Unfortunately, not every pregnancy proceeds normally and ends with the birth of a healthy baby. Sometimes it happens that a pregnancy is unexpectedly interrupted, and the dreams of a failed mother are not destined to come true. Why is this happening? Let's try to figure it out in more detail.

What is a miscarriage and what types does it happen?

In order to understand how a miscarriage occurs, you must first know what it is.

4. The cause of repeated miscarriages can also be the so-called polycystic ovary syndrome. One recent British study found that 44 to 56 percent of women who had multiple miscarriages in a row had polycystic ovary syndrome, which is characterized by irregular or absent menstrual cycles. Most often, this syndrome is observed in women who are overweight.

5. Rhesus incompatibility (hemolytic disease), which occurs when the mother has a positive Rh factor and the father has a negative Rh factor.

6. Immune system disorders are the cause of 5-10% of miscarriages. This happens because a pregnant woman's immune system, programmed to fight bacteria and viruses, malfunctions and attacks healthy cells in the body. One of the most well-known immune system disorders is antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. It appears when the body mistakenly believes that phospholipids are foreign elements. As a result, antibodies are produced, which cause the formation of blood clots in the placental vessels, interrupting the flow of oxygen and nutrients from mother to fetus.

7. Other reasons: features of the anatomical structure of the uterus, viral and bacterial infections, anti-drug and anti-stress medications, exposure to harmful substances.

What symptoms indicate an incipient miscarriage?

Every woman worries about how a miscarriage occurs. Symptoms indicating an upcoming or incipient miscarriage are of great importance for timely medical intervention and the prevention of spontaneous abortion. Among the most common symptoms, the following should be noted:

Sudden weight loss;

Disappearance of pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, breast swelling, drowsiness;

False contractions, called Braxton-Hicks contractions;

Real contractions (painful, every 5-10 minutes);

The appearance of blood stains;

Light painless bleeding (although this is not always a symptom of miscarriage);

Heavy bleeding with or without clots, accompanied by cramps and severe pain in the abdomen or lower back;

Vaginal discharge without pain or bleeding.

A molar pregnancy, a damaged egg, or an ectopic pregnancy will ultimately lead to a miscarriage. The symptoms are similar, except that in the case of a molar pregnancy, the size of the uterus may be larger than usual and the level of hCG (pregnancy hormone) may be increased.

Signs and characteristics of early miscarriage

In the first weeks of pregnancy, only after learning about their interesting situation, women become very sensitive, and it is not surprising that they are visited by a variety of thoughts related to their well-being and the health of their future babies. The slightest changes occurring in the body make them worry. They see signs of early miscarriage in everything. Therefore, it is very important to have information. How to understand that a miscarriage has occurred? Is there really any point or reason to worry? Are these worries justified? How does spontaneous miscarriage occur? It is impossible to answer these questions unambiguously. Each case, like each organism, is absolutely individual, and they should be considered separately.

It is almost impossible to identify the causes of most early miscarriages (more than 60%). It is believed that these are genetic reasons. When an embryo is formed, half of its genes come from the sperm and the other half from the egg. Sometimes, without any apparent motive, something goes wrong and the pregnancy is terminated. A miscarriage itself can occur two to three weeks after the death of the fetus. Obstetricians-gynecologists name the following main causes of miscarriage at the initial stage of pregnancy:

The embryo does not implant in the uterus as it should;

Hormonal problems;

Chromosomal abnormalities;

Diseases of the uterus or cervix;

Various intrauterine infections;

Viral infections such as influenza;

Strong blows to the pregnant woman's stomach;

Multiple pregnancy;

Previous miscarriages.

Signs of early miscarriage:

Severe cramps.

Bleeding.

Blood clots.

At what stage of pregnancy can a miscarriage occur?

Most often, miscarriage occurs in the earliest stages (2-3 weeks). In most cases, the woman does not even suspect that something like this has happened to her. Early spontaneous miscarriages are often confused with normal menstruation. This is explained by the fact that the main symptoms of miscarriage at the beginning of pregnancy are identical to normal menstruation: vaginal bleeding and pain in the lower abdomen. This is the answer to the question of how a miscarriage occurs.

Miscarriages occur less frequently in later stages of pregnancy (up to the 20th week). Spontaneous termination of pregnancy, which occurs after the 20th week, is called a stillbirth.

How does a miscarriage occur?

Due to lack of awareness, many women sometimes do not even suspect that something terrible has happened to them - the loss of a child. They have no idea how quickly miscarriage occurs and what follows after it. In order to be fully armed, you need to remember the following:

1. Spontaneous abortion, fetal death and rejection by the body usually do not occur at once, but last several hours or even days. The process occurs in several stages: threatened miscarriage, imminent (incipient) miscarriage, incomplete abortion and, finally, complete abortion.

2. The threat of miscarriage is characterized by the onset of placental abruption and the appearance of the first signs of miscarriage (pain in the lower abdomen and slight bleeding from the vagina). At this stage, the uterus is closed and the pregnancy can still be maintained.

3. Imminent (started) abortion is characterized by placental abruption and, accordingly, further death of the fetus. Imminent abortion cannot be stopped.

4. With an incomplete abortion, the placenta separates, the fetus dies, and the process of its rejection by the body begins.

5. During a complete abortion, the fetus and place are eliminated from the uterus, as well as from the female genital tract.

Is it possible to independently determine that a miscarriage has occurred?

When registering with an antenatal clinic, women and even their husbands often ask doctors how to find out that a miscarriage has occurred. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to determine this on your own. If there is a suspicion that a miscarriage has occurred, you must immediately consult a doctor or call an ambulance. Only after a medical examination of the woman can one say with complete confidence whether a miscarriage occurred or not. In order to determine this, the doctor will refer the patient for an ultrasound.

In addition, a test that will determine the level of hCG in the blood can indicate that a miscarriage has occurred. HCG is a hormone produced by the body exclusively during pregnancy. It can be detected in the blood one week after ovulation, when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. In the first three weeks of pregnancy, hCG levels should double every 2-3 days. When this level remains unchanged, a spontaneous miscarriage may have occurred.

Doctors also resort to measuring the fetal heart rate (HR). To do this, they use a special device that allows them to listen to the heart rhythms of the fetus in the mother's stomach starting from 7-12 weeks of pregnancy. If the fetal heartbeat can be heard, then there can be no talk of a miscarriage. Remember that if you take a regular pregnancy test, it can show its presence even after an interruption. Therefore, you should not waste precious time and wonder how to determine that a miscarriage has occurred. At the slightest sign, go straight to your gynecologist.

How can you provoke a miscarriage?

Not every pregnant woman is delighted that she will soon become a mother. Each has its own reasons. Some pregnant women seek medical help and terminate their pregnancy in a hospital, while others prefer to do it on their own and learn all the possible ways to have a miscarriage on their own. Since ancient times, various herbs, such as tansy, have been used for this. It was boiled and taken orally, which almost 100% guaranteed rejection of the fetus.

There are many cases when women, in order to get rid of an unwanted child, took and continue to take hot baths to this day. Some try to bring the body to exhaustion with heavy physical activity. Young girls even manage to drink milk to which iodine is added. More “advanced” young ladies do not risk trying folk methods on themselves. They prefer more modern means, such as hormonal pills.

Only a few people think about the consequences of such methods and experiments. As a result, rash actions can lead to very disastrous results. Any attempt to have a miscarriage at home threatens the health and even the life of a pregnant woman. Not a single folk remedy that can provoke an abortion guarantees that bleeding will not start or any infection will occur.

The safest way to get rid of an unwanted pregnancy on your own is the so-called medical abortion. A prerequisite is a minimum time from conception (up to two weeks from a missed period). In this case, most likely, the miscarriage will occur quickly and painlessly, and the uterus will be completely cleaned. In addition, complications are practically excluded. However, it should be noted that the drugs used for medical abortion are not sold in pharmacies. Only doctors with a special license have the right to prescribe this type of medication to their patients. In addition, the cost of such drugs is quite high and not every girl can afford it.

Instead of thinking about how to have a miscarriage and get rid of the fetus, maybe it’s worth imagining what the future baby will look like and how much joy and happiness he will bring to the house? The decision is up to each parent. Responsibility for all actions lies entirely on their shoulders.

What to do after a miscarriage occurs?

What happens after a miscarriage is familiar to many. Some women who have had an abortion feel well. However, in others (4-10% of cases) a number of complications occur. A period of treatment and rehabilitation follows, which lasts up to several weeks. In the first week after a spontaneous miscarriage, a woman may experience abdominal pain. In addition, bleeding may occur. In the first two weeks after an abortion, you must abstain from sex. You should immediately consult a doctor again if symptoms such as:

Heavy bleeding;

Severe pain in the lower abdomen;

High fever and seizures;

Cardiopalmus;

Nausea and vomiting.

Immediately after a spontaneous miscarriage, it is necessary to identify the reason why this happened. Today, there are a huge number of specialized medical centers, by contacting which a woman will receive qualified recommendations on what to do.

Experts recommend planning your next pregnancy only two months after a miscarriage. To avoid getting pregnant before this time, it is necessary to use reliable contraceptives. According to statistics, if a woman becomes pregnant immediately after a miscarriage, the likelihood of the situation repeating increases several times. However, if pregnancy does occur, you should not panic. Under close and constant medical supervision, the outcome can be positive.

Is it possible to protect yourself from spontaneous miscarriage?

In order to minimize the risk of spontaneous miscarriage, it is recommended:

A woman who has just learned about her interesting situation needs to:

1. Don’t put it off until later, but consult a doctor as early as possible, get tested and register for pregnancy.
2. Give up all bad habits (smoking, alcohol and drugs) and reduce the amount of coffee and strong tea you drink.
3. Reduce physical activity and avoid sports that can cause injury.

An early miscarriage can quickly put an end to all the happy plans of future parents. It is not always possible to avoid such developments, but the expectant mother has the opportunity to reduce the threat of spontaneous abortion to a minimum.

Spontaneous abortion in the first trimester occurs most painlessly both from the point of view of physiology and for the mental state of the woman. Often, a failed mother learns about an interesting situation after a spontaneous termination of pregnancy.

Miscarriage in early pregnancy occurs as follows. Rejection of the fertilized egg begins with pain in the lower abdomen, comparable to the condition during menstruation. Bleeding gradually develops.

The discharge is much more abundant than during normal menstruation. At the final stage, a large clot comes out, similar to a bubble of blood.

Even the rapid cessation of bleeding and the absence of pain are grounds for immediate medical attention. Such measures will help avoid possible complications. If some of the detached tissue remains in the uterus, the patient needs to undergo cleaning.

Types of pathology

1. Depending on the moment when spontaneous abortion occurred after conception, there are four types of miscarriage:
2. Termination of biochemical pregnancy. The embryo, which is just a clot of cells, is separated from the surface of the uterine epithelium. The patient begins to experience spotting, which differs from typical menstruation in that it begins with a slight delay. Usually the phenomenon occurs before the third week from the moment of implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus.
3. Late miscarriage, occurring between 12 and 22 weeks. Despite the fact that the limbs and most of the internal organs are practically formed, there is no chance to save the baby.
4. Premature birth. Starting from the sixth month, if the child was able to gain at least 0.5 kg of weight, there is a chance to save a small life. Premature newborns usually require resuscitation and long-term rehabilitation.

Termination of fetal life does not necessarily occur due to spontaneous rejection. Sometimes a pregnant woman needs help to provoke an early miscarriage. Such a measure is necessary when the child is obviously not viable, but the patient’s body, for a certain reason, has not performed the abortive function. There are several main indications for medical termination of pregnancy:

1. Chorioadenoma is a violation of the normal development of the embryo, when the fertilized egg does not develop into a full-fledged organism. As a result, a clot of undifferentiated cells forms in the uterus, gradually increasing in size like a tumor.
2. Anembryony. Pregnancy actually ends before the embryo is formed, in the early stages. The process usually ends in the death of the fetus in the first month, but sometimes the help of doctors is required.
3. Frozen pregnancy (failed miscarriage). It is asymptomatic and can only be diagnosed by ultrasound. Without the help of a surgeon, there is a serious danger to the mother's life.

Reasons for unfavorable outcome

There are many reasons for the spontaneous death of an embryo in the first trimester, but not everything can be controlled and prevented. Often a woman can only accept it and try to get pregnant again.

A whole range of causes of miscarriage in early pregnancy are determined by genetics. These include congenital disorders of the mother’s organ systems, leading to the inability to carry a child to term normally, and hormonal imbalances that provoke rejection of the fertilized egg from the uterus.

The father's genetics have a significant influence on the outcome of the event. If, during the process of joining germ cells, a defective gene is detected in one of the 23 chromosomes, incompatibility occurs between the DNA chains of the parents, and the mother’s body sometimes decides to interrupt the development of the embryo.

A similar situation is possible in case of a conflict of the Rh factor of the blood. A negative protein level in the mother and a positive one in the father forces the woman’s immune system to identify the embryo as a foreign body/tumor and actively fight it.

In such a case, only medical intervention will help save the life of the fetus.

1. External factors that can cause miscarriage have a detrimental effect on the health of the mother and unborn child:
2. Infections. They provoke the cessation of vital activity of the embryo, even if the reproductive system is not affected. If the mother's body temperature rises above 38 °C, the risk of rejection of the fertilized egg increases significantly. Toxoplasmosis, rubella, chickenpox, a number of sexually transmitted infections and other diseases in the event of a certain set of circumstances do not leave the fetus a chance of survival.
3. Pathologies and damage to the uterus. The presence of scars and seams on the surface of the epithelium of the internal genital organs can lead to rejection of the fertilized egg. This condition of the reproductive system is often a consequence of numerous abortions and a number of diseases.
4. Treatment with methods contraindicated during pregnancy. Typically, bleeding and rejection of the fertilized egg begins in cases where the woman is unaware of her situation.

Lifestyle. Many pregnant women constantly have to deal with high physical and psychological stress. These events do not pass without leaving a trace and often lead to spontaneous abortion. Having bad habits greatly aggravates the situation.

At later stages, most of the listed factors also play a significant role in the development of an unfavorable outcome. But spontaneous abortions soon after conception are dangerous - the girl does not know about her situation and does not have time to register with the antenatal clinic. Symptoms of miscarriage in early pregnancy go unnoticed, and treatment is prescribed when it is no longer possible to change the situation.

Symptoms of spontaneous abortion

The process occurs in four stages. Each of them is accompanied by certain signs and symptoms, which are an alarm bell for the mother and a reason to contact an antenatal clinic as soon as possible:

1. Threat of embryo death. This is the first stage, which begins with mild pain in the lower back. It is often accompanied by fever, as during inflammatory diseases, and mild bleeding. Timely provision of medical care and compliance with medical recommendations gives a chance to save the baby’s life.
2. The beginning of rejection. Pain and bleeding increase. Signs of miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy appear especially clearly during active physical activity. Gradually, the pain takes on the character of contractions, reminiscent of the process of childbirth. The pregnant woman feels weak and dizzy due to heavy bleeding. This moment is the last chance to prevent the death of the baby.
3. Miscarriage is in progress. The fetus dies. Due to severe hemorrhage, it leaves the uterus partially or completely.
4. Accomplished miscarriage. The patient's body returns to its pre-fertilization state. The uterus contracts and the menstrual cycle resumes.

Upon completion of the fourth stage, the patient is prescribed an ultrasound examination to exclude the possibility of preservation of the membranes in the uterine cavity. If the symptoms of the pathology were ignored, in the future the woman risks facing its consequences: chronic inflammatory diseases and infertility.

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Spontaneous abortion is not only a psychological event and a disappointment, but also a signal about the presence of problems in the body of a woman or her partner. The patient needs to undergo mandatory examination for two reasons:

1. Every tenth case of miscarriage is accompanied by serious consequences for the health of the failed mother. In addition to possible inflammation due to the decomposition of the remnants of the fertilized egg inside the uterus, the patient sometimes experiences high body temperature, cramps and nausea for several days.
2. Examination of fetal tissue will help determine the cause of death and help prevent it during subsequent conception. Knowing who is to blame and what to do in a given situation makes it easier to cope with the feeling of loss and move on.

Usually in the first trimester the process occurs without serious consequences and does not require specialized help. But if pain in the lower abdomen begins to bother you or your periods are particularly severe and unpleasant, you should definitely consult a doctor in order to prevent the development of complications.

In the absence of contraindications, some time after treatment and restoration of reproductive function, it is allowed to continue trying to get pregnant. It is necessary to remember the danger of repeated miscarriage and take the necessary preventive measures in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations.

Rehabilitation

The loss of a long-awaited baby negatively affects not only reproductive functions, but also the mental state of the patient, leading to depression and fear of repeated failure. The best way out in this situation would be to seek help from a qualified psychologist. A specialist will help you understand your feelings and get through the situation without lasting consequences.

But the rehabilitation procedures do not end there. After undergoing the examination, it is important to identify the cause of the unfavorable outcome. Depending on it, a further set of measures is predetermined to prevent a similar situation in the future:

1. Congenital pathologies. Miscarriage is a consequence of a weakened state of the female genital organs, including the cervix. The reason for this development of events turns out to be one of the structural features of the genitourinary system of a pregnant woman. The pathology must be eliminated and corrected by any available methods if a complete cure is not possible.
2. Genetic factor. Some combinations of parental genes are considered by the pregnant woman to be incapable of development due to the large number of mutated DNA sections. Often artificial insemination and a search for a new sexual partner are required. In such cases, it is said that the failed parents are genetically incompatible.
3. Immunological reasons. Considering the sensitivity of the body after fertilization to the effects of bacteria, fungi and viruses, it is better to undergo a full examination in advance and get rid of diseases. In the future, it is worth preparing in advance for the war against infections, observing hygiene standards, strengthening the immune system and using exclusively medications that are safe for the embryo at the first signs of the birth of a new life.
4. Lifestyle. The developing fetus is sensitive to the condition of the mother. Nervous and mental fatigue, bad habits that lead to spontaneous miscarriage in the early stages can provoke a second one. The only decision is to make a choice between a career and the birth of a baby. The expectant mother needs to rest, change jobs, and sometimes she needs the help of a psychologist.

Once the underlying cause is identified and eliminated, the symptoms of the problem usually no longer bother the woman. But it’s better to worry about your own health and take preventive measures, as the test will show the coveted two stripes.

Prevention of pathology

Prevention of spontaneous abortions is based on two main principles: strengthening the body and eliminating external factors that provoke a threat. One of the best recommendations for girls is not to practice unjustified termination of pregnancy with the help of doctors and medications. Such artificial interference in the activity of the reproductive system has a detrimental effect on the reproduction of offspring in the future.

It is necessary to prepare for reconception in advance; it usually takes about six months. During this time, it is recommended to restore your health and take care of getting rid of bad habits. Don’t forget about a healthy, balanced diet; a proper diet will help reduce the unpleasant manifestations of toxicosis in the first trimester.

It is equally important to think about the emotional side of the issue in advance. Mood swings, stress, chronic fatigue and hormonal imbalances should not have a detrimental effect on bearing the long-awaited baby. Knowledge of the main nuances of the process and a conscious choice in favor of conception strengthens the mother’s peace of mind and increases the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Otherwise, a woman should choose those measures that will help prevent miscarriage. The main assistants in such a situation should be a loving husband and a competent antenatal clinic specialist who can notice the danger in time and suggest how to save the baby’s life.

According to experts, about 20-30% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. This often happens in the first weeks after conception - before the woman becomes aware of her condition. Since many blame themselves for the misfortune that has occurred, it is important to know why miscarriage occurs in the early stages and how to reduce the risks of spontaneous abortion. Knowing the symptoms of an unfavorable situation will allow you to call a medical team in a timely manner. And the help provided by professionals can change the situation for the better, giving the embryo developing in the body a chance for salvation and further life.

Why miscarriage occurs - causes and consequences

A woman who has experienced a miscarriage should know that what happened does not put an end to the issue of having children. “In 80% of cases, subsequent pregnancies are successful and result in childbirth,” says Henry Lerner, MD, clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Harvard Medical School. In the vast majority of situations, the causes of spontaneous miscarriage in the early stages are unknown and are an isolated case in a woman’s gynecological history. If spontaneous abortion repeats for the second and third time, it is extremely important to look for the cause of the pathology in order to find out why miscarriage occurs and how to protect yourself from it.

The reasons for the threat of miscarriage can be very diverse. Experts report that in 80% of cases, miscarriage occurs within 12 weeks. At the same time, the highest risk of unfavorable circumstances occurs in the period from 4 to 6 weeks. Once your baby's beating heart can be seen on an ultrasound, the risk of spontaneous pregnancy drops every day.

Why miscarriage occurs in the early stages is explained by the largest clinical institutions in the world. According to information provided in the media:

• Duke University specialists North Carolina states that random chromosome errors are responsible for 70% of miscarriages that occur before 6 weeks of pregnancy.
• School of Medicine Scientists at Mount Sinai they are confident that the main reason for the threat of miscarriage lies in the age of the mother and father. In women under 35 years of age, there is a 25% risk of spontaneous abortion during the first six weeks, and in women over 40 years of age it increases to 42%.
• Mayo Clinic researchers in Rochester report that up to 55% of miscarriages before 12 weeks of pregnancy are caused by mutations that produce a fertilized sac without an embryo.

In the medical literature, researchers identify several of the most common causes of miscarriage:

1. Chromosomal abnormalities. According to scientists, this is the most common reason, causing up to 60% of miscarriages. Chromosomes are tiny structures in cells that carry genes. Each person has 23 pairs - one set from the mother, the second from the father. Sometimes, when a sperm meets an egg, a malfunction occurs, as a result of which the chromosomes cannot line up as they should by nature, which can lead to a miscarriage, since the embryo in this case has chromosomal abnormalities. Couples who have experienced miscarriage several times are required to undergo testing to identify chromosomal abnormalities that can negatively affect pregnancy. Experts advise women to be patient if they have had one miscarriage. If the situation repeats, a laboratory analysis is required - chromosomal testing. If chromosomes are not a criterion that explains why miscarriage occurs in early pregnancy, doctors begin to look for other causes that may be treatable.
2. Uterine abnormalities. An incorrect or disharmonious structure of the uterus can cause a miscarriage. This is explained by the fact that the embryo either cannot be implanted into the uterus or does not receive adequate nutrition to support life. This type of anomaly explains up to 10% of situations in which searches are conducted, why miscarriage occurs in the early stages and what explains spontaneous abortion. Most often, a septum in the uterus or a weakened cervix, which is unable to support a growing embryo, contributes to an unfavorable course of pregnancy. If such a pathology is present, the uterine septum is corrected surgically, and a suture is placed on the weakened cervix. And in addition to these factors, a woman after conception is recommended to have bed rest or hospitalization, so that most of the time she is in a calm and relaxed state, contributing to the normal course of pregnancy. If the risk of developing a negative condition is too great, the woman is placed in a hospital, where she is monitored around the clock.
3. Immunological disorders. During the normal course of pregnancy, the embryo is not perceived by the female body as a foreign agent. However, there are situations when a woman’s body recognizes him as a stranger, producing specific antibodies that try to destroy him.
4. Causes of early miscarriage lie in such unfavorable conditions as hypo- and hyperthyroidism and uncontrolled diabetes. Both diseases cause unfavorable changes in the uterine environment, creating difficulties for the normal functioning of the embryo. If there is a history of these diseases, a woman should change her usual lifestyle and follow the recommendations of doctors to keep her condition under control. As for the condition of the thyroid gland, specialized medications are used to normalize hormonal levels.
5. Another explanation Why miscarriage occurs in the early stages lies in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women with this syndrome have high levels of the male hormone testosterone, which, among other things, causes irregular ovulation and throws off the established menstrual cycle. Polycystic ovary syndrome causes insulin resistance even in women who do not have diabetes. This creates difficulties in the normal maturation of the endometrium. According to doctors, in more than 5% of women, this reason explains why a miscarriage occurs and what you should pay attention to when planning your next pregnancy. Oral antidiabetic drugs such as metformin are used to treat the negative condition.
6. Bacterial infections. Why miscarriage occurs with the appearance of pathogenic bacteria in the body, doctors explain to women even at the stage of pregnancy planning. Many microorganisms live on the male and female genital organs without causing noticeable harm by their presence. But some bacteria can cause problems with a normal pregnancy and increase the risk of miscarriage. Ideally, it is necessary to undergo an examination before conception in order to cure diseases, since the only way to get rid of pathogenic microflora is to use antibiotics and other potent drugs.
7. In preparation for pregnancy the doctor explains why miscarriage occurs in the early stages if the mother leads an antisocial lifestyle or abuses bad habits. Factors that negatively affect pregnancy include alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, and toxins. We have known about nicotine since childhood, however, over the years, there are no fewer women smoking. Nicotine crosses the placenta, interfering with blood supply and fetal development. Smokers have twice the risk of miscarriage than non-smoking women. Daily drinking and drug use also increase the risk of developing an undesirable scenario. It also increases in women employed in industries where there are strong odors - toxins. These are dental offices, hairdressers and beauty salons, farms, hospital laboratories and other similar places. A woman who does not want to find out after conception why a miscarriage occurs should stop any contact with dangerous factors.

In addition to the listed risk factors, age and lack of vitamins in the body are risk criteria. Studies have shown that older women are more likely to experience early miscarriage, the reasons lie in deteriorating health, which increases over the years, the risk of developing chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus and genetic defects. There are medical statistics according to which a young woman aged 20-22 has a chance of giving birth to a child with developmental disabilities in 1 case in 800, and after 40 years in 1 case in 120. Agree, the difference is more than obvious.

As for vitamins, it becomes obvious why miscarriage occurs when examining the situation in detail. Researchers have found that lack of vitamins D and B increases a woman's risk of miscarriage. But an excess of vitamin A, on the contrary, threatens complications. It is strictly prohibited to decide on your own about the use of vitamin supplements. Recommendations are given by an observing obstetrician-gynecologist who has studied the woman’s health and knows how to build a pregnancy management program.

Also, the reasons for the threat of miscarriage in the early stages include the following conditions among the dangerous factors:

• Overweight or underweight. Obese women (BMI 30 or higher) have a higher risk of spontaneous pregnancy loss. The risk group also includes excessively thin women whose body finds it difficult to cope with the growing load;
• Large uterine fibroids and other tumors are benign neoplasms, often diagnosed during a gynecological examination of women. Particularly dangerous are large fibroids or tumors that show tissue growth in response to pregnancy hormones;
• Certain medications may cause a threat of miscarriage in the early stages. Each drug, each remedy and dietary supplement should be discussed with a doctor, since many medications can provoke the development of defects incompatible with life in the embryo;
• Short time interval between pregnancies. This is not a dogma that explains why early miscarriage occurs. But experts believe that getting pregnant again less than six months after a previous successful pregnancy means slightly increasing the risk of miscarriage, since the body of a woman who has recently given birth has not rested and has not had the opportunity to restore lost strength.

Be that as it may, each of the above points is not the ultimate truth. It has been proven that a glass of good wine a couple of times during pregnancy will not cause harm. The medicine agreed upon with the doctor will not cause it either. However, sometimes these factors, when abused, are decisive in the development of the pathological condition of spontaneous termination of pregnancy.

ICI is a common cause of later miscarriage

One of the reasons why miscarriages occur is ICI - isthmic-cervical insufficiency, when spontaneous abortion occurs due to the cervix and isthmus opening under the pressure of the growing fetus. The condition is one of the most common causes of miscarriage in later stages - from 11 to 27 weeks of pregnancy.

The reason for this condition is previous manipulations with the uterus - a history of abortion, childbirth, curettage. These manipulations negatively affect the condition of the muscle ring. If scar tissue has formed in areas whose structure was previously damaged, they become inelastic, incapable of stretching and subsequent contraction.

However, the reasons for the manifestation of ICI are not necessarily of a physical nature. We can also talk about the hormonal basis of the pathology, when, following a rise in testosterone levels and a fall in progesterone levels, an abnormal condition develops in a woman’s body, causing a miscarriage.

The first signs of miscarriage - symptoms and signs

Some bleeding during embryo implantation into the uterine lining is normal. During this period, implantation bleeding may develop, resulting in slight bloody streaks or brownish vaginal discharge on the underwear. According to the American Pregnancy Association, bleeding does not always signal the first signs of miscarriage - 20-30% of all pregnancies experience some bleeding in the initial stages, and about half of these situations do not interfere with a normally developing full-term pregnancy. If the cervix opens slightly during bleeding, this is a dangerous condition during which spontaneous abortion may occur. You should be alert to the following signs of a threatened miscarriage in the early stages:

• Dark brown or bright scarlet blood from the vagina in combination with cramps;
• Heavy bleeding with or without cramping;
• Bleeding, which will contain dense clots and pieces of internal tissue;
• Sudden onset of bleeding with increasing intensity of blood loss.

If these signs of a threatened miscarriage are observed, you should immediately contact your doctor or call an emergency medical team.

An alarming factor is spasms. Due to embryo implantation, minor convulsions may be observed at an earlier date. This is a kind of reaction of the body to changes occurring in the body. Normally, spasms are mild and pass quickly. If the following signs of a threatened miscarriage are observed, the situation is getting out of control:

• Seizure intensity increases, from a moderate nature they become heavy and strong, exceeding in intensity the spasmodic pains during menstruation;
• Lower abdominal pain and cramps begin to move to the lumbar region and give off severe discomfort throughout the body;
• Duration of spasmodic phenomena more than 5-10 minutes is a reason to be wary;
• If cramping is accompanied by heavy bleeding– this may be a sign of an incipient miscarriage; you should see a doctor immediately.

According to doctors, fluid or mucus coming out of the vagina can also be a cause for concern. Light pink mucus interspersed with a harder mass may be placental tissue. If you experience any alarming symptoms, rush to see a doctor. Other signs of early miscarriage include:

• Unexplained and uncontrolled weight loss;
• Sudden cessation of pregnancy symptoms (swelling and tenderness of the mammary glands disappears, nausea due to strong odors, frequent urge to go to the toilet, etc.);
• An ultrasound does not show a heartbeat on a computer monitor, and imaging equipment does not provide insight into developing life in the womb.

Often, the expectant mother herself feels that something terrible is happening. Even without knowing how an early miscarriage manifests itself, many women accurately identify the pathological condition.

After 20 weeks, pregnancy loss is called stillbirth. This pathology accounts for 1 child out of 200 healthy children. In general, the causes of late-term miscarriage remain somewhat unknown, but the most likely factors for them are:

• High blood pressure;
• Diabetes;
• Smoking;
• Excess weight;
• Multiple pregnancy and more.

These reasons are similar to those that adversely affect the development of the embryo in the early stages of pregnancy.

Why do miscarriages happen and what to do after a miscarriage?

If a woman has had two or more miscarriages, she is advised to undergo testing to discover the cause. About half of the cases remain unanswered to the question of why miscarriage occurs in the early stages of pregnancy, but in the other 50% health problems are discovered, which in some situations can be corrected with well-designed treatment. Most often these are autoimmune diseases (in which the immune system attacks the embryo, destroying it), thyroid problems, uterine deformities or other reasons.

Expected parents who are wondering why they are miscarrying may be tested for bleeding disorders (some women produce antibodies that attack their own tissue, causing blood clots to form that block the mother's blood vessels that feed the placenta).

To examine the uterus, ultrasound, MRI and CT, and hysteroscopy are performed, and the embryo itself can be tested for chromosomal abnormalities to clarify the causes of spontaneous miscarriage. If any of the reasons is confirmed, doctors do everything possible to eliminate the problem of miscarriage from a woman’s life.

So, to diagnose the pathological condition and when certain symptoms of miscarriage appear in the early stages, the doctor uses:

• Examination for signs cervical dilatation;
• Ultrasound to check fetal heartbeat and determining signs of embryo development. If the diagnosis is difficult, it is recommended to undergo a second ultrasound a week after the first. Ultrasound can also provide information about the presence of an ectopic pregnancy, when a fertilized egg develops in the fallopian tube. When performing an ultrasound, the bladder should be full. A woman is advised to drink plenty of water before visiting the ultrasound room. The method varies - the doctor may move the scanning element over the abdomen and use a vaginal probe to insert into the vagina to obtain better images of the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
• Blood tests are taken when signs of a threatened miscarriage appear in the early stages. Your doctor will check your level of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to compare it with previous measurements. If the nature of changes in hCG levels is noticeable, this is a serious reason to be wary. In this case, a decrease in the level of hCG in the blood or stopping the hormone at the same levels requires special attention.
• Through blood tests the doctor determines the woman’s blood type, if this has not been done previously. Based on the data obtained, it is also possible to detect anemia, a dangerous condition for a pregnant woman.
• Tissue research, secreted from the vagina, confirming a miscarriage in the laboratory;
• Chromosome tests– if there are two or more unsuccessful pregnancies in the anamnesis, both parents are sent to identify chromosomal pathologies.

It is important to remember that most women who have a miscarriage go on to have successful pregnancies. According to the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology, even after four consecutive miscarriages, about 65% of women subsequently give birth to a healthy and strong baby that is carried throughout the entire pregnancy. Do not lose sight of the fact that when compiling statistics on why miscarriages occur in early pregnancy, fairly wide sections of the population as a whole are studied. The sample includes women of all ages, with different health problems and women who did not receive proper prenatal care and qualified assistance when registering with a consultation. Your personal risk of miscarriage depends on many factors, such as age, general health, and previous medical history. It cannot be calculated based on a statistical sample.

Why can there be a miscarriage and what treatment is there?

Once signs of spontaneous miscarriage have appeared and the miscarriage has begun, there is nothing that can be done to stop it. Any treatment is aimed at preventing severe bleeding and infection. Discuss with your doctor which treatment options will be best for your case. An individually designed therapeutic protocol, taking into account the characteristics of a particular patient, will allow for safe and effective treatment.

We discussed above why miscarriages occur in the early stages, mentioned the causes of miscarriage in the second trimester, and outlined diagnostic procedures for identifying the pathological condition. Let's take a closer look at treatment options.

Waiting tactics

Sometimes a wait-and-see approach brings good results. After abnormal changes in a woman’s body, doctors often choose this method. After the first signs of miscarriage appear in the early stages and the diagnosis is confirmed, it is worth waiting for the tissue to leave the body naturally. This period can last up to three to four weeks. While waiting for the tissue to come out, a woman may experience slight bleeding and discharge of bloody fluid from the vagina.

As tissue passes through the birth canal, bleeding intensifies and becomes more intense; other signs of miscarriage may appear in the early and late stages - cramping, spasmodic pain. During this time, it is recommended to use sanitary pads (it is strictly forbidden to use tampons), and soothe painful symptoms with painkillers such as paracetamol. If you have an incomplete miscarriage and not all of the tissue has left the body, you need to take a wait-and-see approach. But if during a spontaneous miscarriage the symptoms include heavy bleeding or signs of a developing infection, you should immediately move on to other therapeutic practices. Most often, the doctor recommends dilatation and curettage. Discuss your options with a professional to make an informed decision.

What do you need to know?

1. Why miscarriages occur in the early stages in order to minimize the risk of developing an anomaly.
2. There are many reasons why some women choose to wait and see after a miscarriage without taking any drastic measures.
3. Many women feel fear and confusion when they find out why early miscarriage occurs, so bleeding causes them to panic. However, you should not panic at the first appearance of blood on your underwear. You need to call your doctor right away to find out what to do next.
4. Typically, watchful waiting after a miscarriage takes longer than any other approach, such as surgery or medication. When implementing this tactic, the first signs of miscarriage in the early stages in the form of bleeding and nagging pain in the lower abdomen can last for up to 4 weeks.
5. For some women, the tactic of waiting is categorically not suitable, especially if we are talking about an infection developing in the body, severe bleeding or a prolongation of the waiting period.
6. Having experienced signs of miscarriage in the early stages, and being in a period of waiting for the natural release of tissues foreign to the body, the woman experiences a period of emotional burnout and emptiness.

Drug therapy

Drug therapy is available and can significantly speed up the process of the tissue of a dead embryo leaving the body after termination of pregnancy. When a woman knows what symptoms of a miscarriage indicate an unfavorable combination of circumstances, she already knows what blood clots coming out of the vagina indicate. If the ultrasound shows that tissue remains inside, the medications stimulate their release within a few hours of administration. Sometimes the period increases, much depends on the drugs themselves and the characteristics of the female body. Drug treatment is not suitable if there are signs of infection and heavy bleeding, if symptoms of impending miscarriage are observed after 9 weeks. If drug therapy does not work and the tissue does not come out, the doctor recommends dilatation and curettage.

What you need to know

1. The tissues come out within 4 to 6 hours after taking the medications recommended by your doctor. During this time, the woman can remain in the hospital under the supervision of the attending physician. If the waiting period is prolonged, the specialist gives instructions on monitoring the first symptoms of a complete miscarriage and sends the patient home to continue waiting.
2. After determining the preliminary reasons why a miscarriage may occur, drug therapy prescribed by a doctor may also cause side effects. Pills to stimulate tissue release may be taken orally or inserted into the vagina. In the first few hours after taking the drugs, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and chills may occur.
3. At this stage, a woman knows exactly in case of a miscarriage what symptoms should be noted after taking medications. The doctor tells you this in case possible complications develop. It is normal to have some bleeding or short-term bleeding after taking medications. When the tissue of a dead embryo leaves the body, there is an increase in blood loss with the appearance of clots.
4. Probably increased pain and intensity of spasms. Painkillers recommended by your doctor will help you cope with unpleasant sensations. For some women with high sensitivity and a low pain threshold, analgesic injections are recommended, which provide faster and more effective results.
5. If drug therapy does not produce the expected effect, a surgical method of tissue removal is used.

Surgery

It is important for a woman to get to the bottom of why early miscarriage occurs, but before you begin to identify the reasons, you should take care of your health and eliminate the consequences of a miscarriage. If expectant management and drug therapy do not produce results, surgery is used to remove the tissues of the deceased embryo - a small operation called curettage. It is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia.

The doctor gains access to the tissues through the woman’s vagina. The cervix is ​​carefully opened by a specialist and any remaining pregnancy tissue is delicately removed. The procedure itself takes about 10 minutes, but a woman who has experienced signs of early miscarriage, such as bleeding, dizziness and other discomfort, should remain under doctor's supervision for about 4-5 hours. This time is necessary to restore your well-being.

After learning why you miscarried and deciding whether to have a curettage, you may have to wait several days for the procedure. During this period, the tissues can come out on their own, and then there is no need for surgery. In general, curettage is performed in situations where there are signs of early miscarriage, such as severe bleeding and intense pain that cannot be suppressed. Also, the method is used at the request of the woman herself, if there are no contraindications for its implementation.

What you need to know

The risks of the surgery are very low but include:

1. Danger of leaving some tissue behind inside the body, in the uterus. This can cause severe blood loss and the need to repeat surgery;
2. Risk of infection in the body;
3. Risk of cervical damage or the body of the uterus, which occurs extremely rarely (according to statistics - 1 case in 1000 operations), but, nevertheless, occurs in medical practice. As a result of the surgeon’s careless actions, a small hole or tissue rupture is formed in the uterus, which later repairs itself.
4. There are also risks from the wrong anesthesia. This is a very rare situation, but also occurs in surgical practice.

Waiting for treatment

If you experience signs of a miscarriage, such as heavy bleeding with clots and cramping pain, tissue from a dead embryo is likely leaving your body. If the bleeding is severe and does not stop for a long time, the help of specialists is necessary. You should call emergency medical services immediately if:

• Signs of miscarriage in the first and second trimester include continuous blood loss, in which the woman changes sanitary pads more than twice an hour;
• Large clots released with blood;
• You experience severe pain in the abdomen and lower back, which does not decrease with the use of medications;
• A severe fever developed. Chills, convulsions, fainting occurred;
• An unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge appears, which indicates signs of a developing infectious process.

Pregnancy after miscarriage

Many parents who have experienced a miscarriage fear that it will happen again during their next pregnancy. However, this is unfounded; in most cases, pregnancy proceeds without complications.

The question of why you can’t get pregnant after a miscarriage without a period of recovery of physical and emotional health is asked by every mother who has lost a child. The answer is obvious - a certain period of time must pass when the woman is ready for a new conception. It is important to take into account the mistakes made in the past and not make them again.

If physical balance returns to relative normality within a couple of months after a miscarriage, then the psychological background of a bereaved woman may take a longer time to recover. Many women, in the hope of finding balance, try to get pregnant immediately after an unsuccessful attempt, despite doctors’ urging to wait for time. Knowing what symptoms appear during an early miscarriage and what causes them, women try to reduce the likelihood of a negative event as much as possible. But the body, unprepared to bear a child, weakened by previous failures in the reproductive system, may again fail to cope with the situation.

Often a woman develops depression, aggression, resentment towards others, she withdraws into herself, does not want to see or meet anyone. The best option is to visit an experienced psychologist. A specialist will help you cope with mental pain and survive the event without compromising the mental state of the unsuccessful woman in labor. A woman should clearly understand that emotional instability is another reason why you can’t get pregnant after a miscarriage without restoring a surge of mental strength.

Sex life after miscarriage

Sex after miscarriage is a very controversial topic. There is a significant difference of opinion about whether intimate life is safe and what period of abstinence from bodily pleasures is considered optimal. Many women themselves avoid sexual contact due to a difficult psychological state. Recovery from a miscarriage can take anywhere from four weeks to three months. Accordingly, first contacts are possible no earlier than a month after the incident. If curettage was used, experts recommend extending the period to 1.5 months.

However, you need to focus on the woman’s condition. By this time, bleeding from the vagina should completely stop, and the cervix should return to a closed position to prevent infection from entering the organ. Ideally, a woman should consult a doctor and see a gynecologist so that he gives permission to restore the relationship.

When to plan a new pregnancy

Once you resume your relationship, do not consider it unnecessary to consult with your doctor about contraception. This will allow you to prepare your body for conception and restore strength to bear a new fetus. Experts recommend delaying the start of a new pregnancy by six months, and in some situations by a year. During this time, you will undergo an examination, try to determine the reason why the miscarriage occurred and will be ready to prevent the repetition of a negative scenario in the future.

When preparing for a new pregnancy, do not remember what symptoms you had during an early miscarriage, do not transfer this condition into your life, try to remove it from your memory. When undergoing the examination, you will have to take the following tests:

• Tests to determine STIs;
• Examination of the reproductive system/ultrasound of the pelvic organs;
• Genetic tests;
• Tests to determine the biocompatibility of spouses and other tests as prescribed by a doctor.

When a woman's cycle is restored, she becomes ready for a new conception. However, there is no need to rush. Based on the results of the examinations and tests, the doctor assesses your health status and determines how long it may take to restore the body. If the due date has come and the couple is sure that they are ready for pregnancy, it is necessary to consider the following aspects, the implementation of which increases the chance of a favorable combination of circumstances:

• Future parents must eradicate bad habits. These include smoking, drug use, and alcohol abuse. Many researchers say that consuming caffeine in large quantities also poses a risk for a normally developing pregnancy. Therefore, one cup of a strong and aromatic drink in the morning is a completely adequate dose if you cannot imagine life without coffee.
• Stress factors should be reduced as much as possible, since overstrain and nervous conditions at home and at work do not contribute to the achievement of the set goal. It is necessary to provide the expectant mother with peace, relaxation, and rest. Eliminate quarrels and showdowns from life. All of them affect the psychological state of a woman.
• Adjustments should also affect nutrition, if it contains harmful products, fast food. You should review your diet, include more vegetables and fruits, and add vitamins if necessary. Any supplements or medications should be discussed with your doctor. Chamomile infusions, tea with lemon balm leaves and honey are useful to normalize mood and strengthen the immune system, if there are no allergic reactions to them.
• A good step towards achieving your plan will be the elimination of harmful occupational factors from life. If you work in hazardous work, inhale fumes that are hazardous to your health, and are forced to visit unfavorable facilities, talk to your doctor. Perhaps, taking into account your past condition, you will be issued a sick leave. Many women themselves give up their careers, preferring the birth of a healthy and strong baby.
• Don't forget that excess weight– another unfavorable factor for a normal pregnancy. While you have time to prepare, lose those extra pounds that are keeping you from achieving your ideal figure. Eliminate unhealthy snacks and overeating in the evenings. This will help you quickly get used to a properly structured nutrition schedule.

Often, having become pregnant, a woman is in no hurry to share her joy with loved ones, remembering the evil eye and being afraid to believe in the happiness of conception. However, experts do not advise doing this. In the initial stages of pregnancy and later, the support of loved ones is very important. Do not deprive them of the opportunity to help you, support you morally and physically.

A miscarriage is a spontaneous termination of pregnancy, which is accompanied by premature birth of the fetus. This phenomenon most often occurs before the 20th week.

Classification of miscarriages

Pregnancy is a trembling time full of pleasant expectations. But sometimes it happens that this state is interrupted. How to determine early miscarriage? What are its causes and how to prevent it? Many expectant mothers ask these questions. To prevent complications and unpleasant consequences, you need to know the answer to them.

The following types of miscarriages are distinguished:

• a threat characterized by bloody discharge and uterine contractions. In most cases, such spontaneous abortion can be stopped, and the pregnancy continues;
• an abortion that has begun is characterized by profuse bleeding and cramping pain. It is not possible to maintain pregnancy in this condition;
• incomplete abortion occurs in cases of partial rejection of the fetus;
• a complete abortion is carried out with complete rejection of the fetus, in which the uterus contracts and bleeding completely stops;
• An ordinary miscarriage is a situation in which a woman has an arbitrary termination of pregnancy with rejection of the fetus for the third time in a row.

Septic miscarriage

This type of spontaneous abortion occurs as a result of infection of the contents of the uterus.

How to identify a septic miscarriage? The symptoms of this condition cannot be confused with anything else. Vaginal discharge acquires an unpleasant odor, bleeding appears, the woman experiences a fever and pain in the lower abdomen. You cannot delay calling an ambulance in case of a septic miscarriage.

What causes miscarriage?

Miscarriage occurs in 1 in 6 pregnant women, and most often in the early stages. Experts identify the following most common causes of spontaneous abortion:

1. Anomalies of fetal development.
2. Diseases of the mother's immune, cardiovascular, endocrine, and excretory systems.
3. Bad habits.
4. Rough sexual intercourse.
5. Wrong lifestyle.
6. Viral or bacterial infection. It penetrates the membranes and affects the fetus.
7. Nervous disorders and quarrels;
8. Overweight or underweight mother.
9. Excessive exercise and too active sports.
10. Hormonal disorder.
11. Abortion. Previous abortions can lead to both miscarriage and infertility.
12. Polycystic ovary syndrome.
13. Toxic effects on the body (harmful production, poor environment);
14. Rh conflict, as a result of a discrepancy between the Rh factor of the child and the mother.
15. An accident in which the body primarily fights for the life of a woman.
16. Age over 35 years (the optimal age for bearing a child is considered to be 20-35 years old) or a recent IVF procedure.
17. Eating herbs with abortifacient properties (tansy, thyme, parsley).
18. Uterine abnormalities.
19. Some medications.

Most spontaneous abortions occur in the early stages, when the woman does not even suspect that pregnancy has begun. In this case, the fertilized egg is excreted from the body along with menstruation.

Future parents must take a responsible approach to the process of preparing for childbirth, change their lifestyle and treat all existing diseases.

Symptoms of the onset of a miscarriage

If symptoms of spontaneous abortion are detected, a woman should immediately seek medical help. The following may indicate a spontaneous abortion:

• unexplained and sudden weight loss;
• disappearance of pregnancy symptoms (breast swelling, toxicosis, drowsiness);
• false contractions;
• real contractions, accompanied by severe pain and frequency;
• disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
• red, brownish or dark brown discharge;
• increased bleeding with clots, cramps and pain in the lower abdomen or lumbar region;
• any unusual vaginal discharge.

The most basic signs that help determine an incipient miscarriage are pain and bleeding. When there is a threat, discharge may not be red, but brown. But this factor should not confuse the expectant mother and force her to seek help from a doctor.

An increase in uterine tone is also a sign of an imminent abortion, but only in cases where it is accompanied by severe pain in the lower abdomen. You can avoid such a combination of circumstances by refusing to lift weights and exercise.

With a frozen or ectopic pregnancy, a complete miscarriage does not always occur, so contacting a doctor with the described symptoms is mandatory.

Early miscarriage

How to identify an early miscarriage and not confuse its symptoms with the usual pregnancy symptoms? It’s very simple: you need to try to know the exact symptoms.

Rejection of the fertilized egg can occur in the early stages of pregnancy without, at first glance, any reason. However, quite often it happens that fetal rejection occurs after several weeks have passed from the moment the development of the embryo stops. The reasons for this may be:

• incorrect implantation of the embryo to the uterine wall;
• hormonal imbalance;
• chromosomal mutations;
• pathology of the uterus;
• intrauterine infection;
• mechanical damage to the fetal bladder due to impact;
• multiple pregnancy;
• previous spontaneous abortions.

A miscarriage can be clearly determined in the early stages by the occurrence of cramps, bleeding and blood clots in the discharge. If in the discharge there is a piece of tissue similar to a burst bubble, then it can be argued that a miscarriage has already occurred.

When does a miscarriage occur?

Most often, miscarriage occurs in the early stages of pregnancy (2-3 weeks). The woman does not even suspect that it happened. It is almost impossible to determine an early miscarriage on your own; it resembles normal menstruation and is accompanied by the same symptoms (pain in the lower abdomen and bleeding).

Much less often, miscarriage occurs from 3 to 20 weeks of pregnancy. And if spontaneous rejection of the fetus occurs after the 20th week, then this phenomenon is called stillbirth.

How to determine a miscarriage?

In order not to get confused during a spontaneous abortion and thereby not cause complications, you need to remember that:

• a miscarriage does not occur instantly, but lasts several hours or days;
• at the stage of threat of miscarriage, a woman should consult a doctor with bloody discharge or pain in the lower abdomen, then the pregnancy can still be maintained;
• It will no longer be possible to stop the inevitable abortion, but you can call an ambulance.

How to determine what is happening - a miscarriage or menstruation? If a woman is not yet aware of her interesting situation, but is waiting for the imminent arrival of menstruation, then the first alarm bell should be a delay. When the arrival of menstruation has shifted by several days, and after the start, blood clots are observed in the discharge, this indicates an early miscarriage. Delaying an appointment with a doctor can be dangerous to a woman's health.

The doctor will be able to determine if a miscarriage has occurred by conducting an ultrasound scan, listening to the fetal heart rate, and taking a test to determine the level of hCG in the blood.

If there are pieces of tissue in the bloody discharge of a pregnant woman, it is advisable to put them in a sterile container and take them to the doctor, this will help the doctor determine a possible miscarriage and prevent the development of complications.

If an incomplete abortion occurs, then medication or mechanical cleansing may be prescribed to free the uterine cavity.

When the threat of fetal rejection is associated with loose closure of the cervix, special rings are installed on it. Shortly before the baby is born, the doctor will have to remove them.

Treatment after miscarriage is determined

If a threat of miscarriage is detected early or later, the doctor recommends that the patient maintain bed rest, sexual rest and try to move less. At this time, a woman should try to avoid stressful situations and be less nervous in order to maintain her pregnancy. If the patient is too impressionable and emotional, then she is prescribed medications that calm the nervous system (valerian or motherwort).

The next stage of treatment should be getting rid of the cause of the miscarriage. Hormonal drugs (Duphaston, Utrozhestan) or even surgical intervention can be used.

But doctors consider a positive attitude to be one of the factors contributing to the body’s speedy recovery. Thanks to him, it is possible not only to save the pregnancy, but to facilitate the birth process.

Prevention

To minimize the risk of miscarriage, you must follow the following rules.