Dealing with a Miscarriage
Some of the reasons for miscarriage are:
- Infection to the mother
- If the mother is diabetic or suffering from thyroid problems
- Hormonal issues
- Immune system responses
- Mother suffering from physical problems
- Uterine abnormalities
- If the unborn babies has some genetic problems
A woman has a higher risk of miscarriage if she:
- Above 35 years of age
- Past history of miscarriage
Emergency Signs
There are some emergency signs which may indicate a miscarriage but if you
call your doctor immediately, you may not necessarily lose the baby.
- A severe headache that won’t go away.
- Misty or blurred vision
- Severe prolonged stomach pains
- Frequent painful urination (hydrate yourself well till the doctor arrives)
- Leakage of fluids (which may suggest the waters have broken down)
- Vaginal bleeding: If you notice bleeding from the vagina at any time during pregnancy, lie down and call the doctor immediately. This may indicate either a miscarriage or placental bleeding. You may be admitted to the hospital where the position of the placenta is checked. If you have lost a lot of blood, you may be given a blood transfusion and the baby will be delivered as soon as possible.
Consult Your Doctor within 24 Hours
- If you have swollen hands, face or ankles
- Severe frequent vomiting
- A temperature of 101 degree F
- Fewer kicks from your baby for 12 hours after week 28
- No movement by the baby for 12 hours after week 28
Threatened abortion
If the bleeding is mild and painless, the pregnancy can often be saved
Treatment
- Bed rest till the bleeding stops
- An ultrasound scan to confirm all is well
- Take things easy for a few days and it is possible that the pregnancy should go normally without any risk of abnormality in the baby.
True Miscarriage
If the bleeding is very heavy and you are experiencing a lot of pain, it probably means the baby has died. You will need to go to the clinic so that the womb can be cleaned out under general anesthesia.
Coping With the Miscarriage
Losing a baby is a huge emotional loss for the couple and a miscarriage is often accompanied by negative feelings. People might not understand but you do need to mourn the loss of your unborn baby. Quite often mothers blame themselves and feel really guilty about it, but you need to understand that it is not your fault. Also there are concerns of future pregnancy and mixed feelings whether you will ever be able to carry a healthy baby in the future.
Treatment
- Talk to your partner about your feelings, it will help both of you open up and strengthen your bond as a couple
- If need be take the help of a counselor
- Talk to your doctor as to when you should plan a baby again. Some doctors say it is better to wait for three menstrual cycles before you conceive again
- Unless you have had a string of miscarriages, there is no reason why you shouldn’t have a successful pregnancy the next time.
A miscarriage is emotionally and physically draining yet it is not the end of the world. With adequate help you should be able to start your family very soon.
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