What is Pregnancy Loss and Miscarriage? Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Pregnancy loss or as it is commonly known, miscarriage is the spontaneous termination of pregnancy before the 20th week. Approximately 10-20% of pregnancies may end in miscarriage. Miscarriage is a physically and emotionally challenging process and can be a distressing experience for expectant mothers. Miscarriage usually occurs in early pregnancy and is often not even noticed. However, some miscarriages come with distinct symptoms and health risks.


 

What is Pregnancy Loss (Miscarriage)?

Pregnancy loss is the spontaneous termination of pregnancy before the 20th week, at a stage where the fetus cannot survive. Pregnancy loss usually occurs in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy (early miscarriage), but there is also a risk of miscarriage after the 12th week. Miscarriage is medically called spontaneous abortion and can occur for a variety of reasons. Each miscarriage can be a different experience, and while some women experience no symptoms at all, others may present with obvious symptoms such as pain and bleeding.

Basic Features of Miscarriage:

• Early Miscarriages: Usually occur within the first 12 weeks.
• Late Miscarriages: Occur after the 12th week and can rarely last until the 20th week.
• Physical and Emotional Effects: Miscarriage can create both physical and emotional challenges for the mother-to-be.

Pregnancy loss is a very upsetting situation for many women, but learning about its causes and how to manage it can help you better understand the process.

What Causes Pregnancy Loss?

Pregnancy loss can have many different causes, and often no specific cause can be found. The most common causes of miscarriage include genetic problems, infections, and hormonal disorders. In addition, physical health problems and environmental factors can also cause miscarriage.

Main Causes of Miscarriage:

• Genetic Anomalies: Genetic abnormalities in the fetus (e.g. chromosomal disorders) can prevent the pregnancy from progressing healthily.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Insufficiency of pregnancy hormones such as progesterone can lead to pregnancy loss.
• Infections: Serious infections (e.g. toxoplasma, rubella) can increase the risk of miscarriage.
• Uterine or Cervical Problems: Uterine deformities, premature opening of the cervix (cervical insufficiency) can cause miscarriage.
• Chronic Diseases: Chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid diseases can lead to miscarriage.

Any of these reasons can lead to pregnancy loss, and the reason for miscarriage may be different for each woman.

What are the Symptoms of Pregnancy Loss?

While pregnancy loss can sometimes present itself with obvious symptoms, in some cases it can occur without any symptoms. Symptoms of early miscarriage usually manifest themselves with vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain. These symptoms may indicate conditions called threatened miscarriage in some cases.

Symptoms of Miscarriage:

• Vaginal Bleeding: It can vary from light pink or brown discharge to heavy bleeding.
• Abdominal and Groin Pain: Severe abdominal pain in the form of cramps may occur.
• Back Pain: Pain may be experienced in the lower back area.
• Decrease in Pregnancy Symptoms: A sudden decrease in pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and breast tenderness may be noticed.

If one or more of these symptoms are seen, it is essential to see a doctor should be consulted.

Types of Pregnancy Loss

Pregnancy loss can occur in different ways and these processes are classified clinically differently. Each type of miscarriage may require a different intervention or treatment method.

Types of Pregnancy Loss:

1. Complete Miscarriage: The uterus is completely emptied and all pregnancy tissue is expelled.
2. Incomplete Miscarriage: There may still be pregnancy tissue left in the uterus and may require additional treatment.
3. Chemical Pregnancy: The fetusThere has been a miscarriage, but the pregnancy has not attached to the uterus. Miscarriage usually occurs before the menstrual cycle begins.
4. Missed Miscarriage: The baby has stopped developing, but the body has not given any signals of miscarriage; this is usually detected by ultrasound.

These types indicate different ways to monitor and treat the miscarriage.

How is Pregnancy Loss Diagnosed?

Women with symptoms of pregnancy loss are evaluated with various tests and examinations under the supervision of a doctor. The most common diagnostic methods include ultrasound and blood tests.

Diagnostic Methods for Pregnancy Loss:

• Ultrasound: The baby's heartbeat is checked to determine whether the pregnancy is healthy.
• HCG Blood Test: A decrease or cessation of increase in HCG levels may indicate a risk of miscarriage.
• Pelvic Examination: Changes in the uterus can be detected through a physical examination.

Early diagnosis is important for managing the pregnancy loss process.

Post-Miscarriage Treatment Methods

The treatment after pregnancy loss varies depending on factors such as the patient's general condition, the week of pregnancy, and the condition of the remaining tissues in the uterus.

Miscarriage Treatment Methods:

• Waiting: In some cases, the miscarriage may be completed on its own and no additional treatment is required.
• Medical Abortion: The uterus can be emptied with medications.
• Surgical Intervention (D&C): The remaining tissues in the uterus may need to be surgically cleaned (Dilatation and Curettage).

The doctor determines which method will be applied is evaluated and determined according to the patient's general health.

Factors That Increase Miscarriage Risk

Some factors can increase the risk of miscarriage. Especially advanced age, previous miscarriage history and certain lifestyle factors can affect this risk.

Factors that Increase the Risk of Miscarriage:

• Age: The risk of miscarriage is higher in women over the age of 35.
• Previous Miscarriages: Having had more than one miscarriage can increase the risk of miscarriage again.
• Chronic Diseases: Health problems such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension can increase the risk of miscarriage.
• Smoking and Alcohol Use: Smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage.

Considering these factors that affect the risk of miscarriage, it is important to be careful during pregnancy. should be done.

Post-Miscarriage Recovery Process

Both physical and emotional recovery is necessary after a miscarriage. While it takes a few weeks for the uterus to recover physically, this process may take longer emotionally.

Things to Consider During the Recovery Process:

• Physical Rest: Resting for the first few days speeds up the recovery process.
• Pain Management: Symptoms such as mild pain and cramps are normal; they can be controlled with painkillers prescribed by the doctor.
• Emotional Support: Miscarriage is a sad and traumatic experience for many women. Getting emotional support can help the healing process.

The recovery process after a miscarriage can vary from person to person; it is important to not skip doctor check-ups and get emotional support.

Recurrent Miscarriages and Treatment Methods

Experiencing multiple miscarriages may require a more complex treatment process for expectant mothers. The underlying causes of recurrent miscarriages are investigated and a treatment plan is created.

Recurrent Miscarriage Treatment Methods:

• Genetic Tests: Couples may need to be evaluated for chromosomal disorders with genetic tests.
• Hormone Therapy: If hormonal disorders are detected, hormone treatments may be applied.
• Correction of Uterine Abnormalities: Uterine abnormalities can be corrected with surgical interventions.

The treatment process is planned with the support of a specialist doctor in recurrent pregnancy losses.

Planning a New Pregnancy After Pregnancy Loss

It is important to determine a suitable time for couples who want to get pregnant again after a miscarriage. Doctors usually recommend waiting a few months after the miscarriage.

Things to Consider When Planning a New Pregnancy:

• Doctor Check-ups: Before a new pregnancy, a doctor's check-up should definitely be done and the body's readiness should be assessed.
• Psychological Preparation: It is important to be both physically and emotionally ready for a new pregnancy.

It is important to make the necessary preparations before starting to plan a new pregnancy according to your doctor's recommendations.

How Can Pregnancy Loss Be Prevented?

Although it is not possible to completely prevent pregnancy loss, some steps can reduce the risk of miscarriage.

Miscarriage Prevention Methods:

• Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular exercise and stress management can reduce the risk of miscarriage.
• Medical Check-ups: It is important to go to regular doctor check-ups during pregnancy.
• Avoiding Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and alcohol consumption should be completely avoided during pregnancy.

These preventive steps can help reduce the risk of miscarriage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long after a miscarriage can I get pregnant again?

It is generally recommended to wait 3-6 months after a miscarriage, but this period should be evaluated by a doctor.

2. How long does bleeding last after a miscarriage?

Post-miscarriage bleeding usually lasts 1-2 weeks. However, a doctor should be consulted in case of severe bleeding.

3. What types of tests are done for recurrent miscarriages?

Genetic tests, blood clotting tests and hormone tests can be done for recurrent miscarriages.

4. When can sexual intercourse resume after a miscarriage?

Sexual intercourse can be resumed after the bleeding has stopped, usually 2-3 weeks later.

5. Is it necessary to seek psychological support after a miscarriage?

Miscarriage can be emotionally challenging, and for many women, seeking psychological support can speed up the healing process.