A Miscarriage Is when the pregnancy ends when the baby is not yet viable. For the women affected, a miscarriage is tragic. At this point, we report on the reasons for Miscarriages And give tips on how to reduce the risk.
What is an early miscarriage?
The medical term for a Miscarriage Miscarriage is a term used when a pregnancy ends before the baby is viable. A child is viable from a birth weight of more than 400 g and after the 23rd week of pregnancy. Week of pregnancy (SSW). If the pregnancy ends after this time, then it is called premature birth, if the child is born alive. In such a case, there are special measures that doctors take to keep the baby alive. These are, for example, special drugs that help the lungs to mature as well as intensive medical treatment. If the child has died in the womb, it is called a stillbirth.
In addition, miscarriages are differentiated in time:
- before 13. Pregnancy week: Early abortion
- between the 14. and 24. week of pregnancy: late abortion
Are natural causes for miscarriage If the mother is responsible for the miscarriage, this is referred to medically as a spontaneous abortion. An artificially induced abortion, the so-called artificial abortion, is induced with chemical or medicinal measures, such as in the case of an abortion.
The medical term for miscarriage is abortion, which occurs when a pregnancy ends before the child is viable. (#01)
What triggers an early miscarriage?
There is no blanket answer to this question, because even perfectly healthy women who do not belong to any risk group can have a Premature birth or miscarriage suffer. Even doctors are not always able to identify the reason why the baby was lost. For this reason, it is not possible for doctors to do anything about an early miscarriage early miscarriage to undertake.
There are some risk factors that are likely to cause an early miscarriage suffered.
These include:
- drinking a lot of alcohol
- smoking
- drinking more than four cups of coffee a day
- presence of a benign uterine tumor
- an anomaly of the uterus
- the disease lupus
- Kidney disease, diabetes or thyroid disease
- Infections in early pregnancy, such as listeriosis, rubella, or chlamydia
- age of more than 30 years
Medications can also cause miscarriage, for example, if they lead to malformation of the uterus or maldevelopment of the placenta. The same is true for alcohol and drug abuse or for a fall or accident. (#02)
How common is an early miscarriage?
Statistics have shown that about 15% of pregnancies detected by a doctor (in the 5.-6. pregnancy week, this can be seen on the ultrasound) with a Miscarriage end. In addition, pregnancies that can only be proven by a laboratory examination. As a rule, the b-hCG level is then elevated, but clinically no signs of pregnancy can be detected – especially if the pregnancy is in the first 4-5 weeks. If these pregnancies are also taken into account, the incidence of miscarriage is as high as 50-70%.
In these cases, the fertilized egg is simply expelled unnoticed with the next menstrual period and the expectant mother often does not even know that she had an abortion and was pregnant. In addition, the risk increases with each miscarriage further. The age of the mother also plays a major role, because with increasing age the probability of miscarriage is also greater.
After the first trimester the Risk of miscarriage clearly. From the age of 17. After the first week of pregnancy, the risk of miscarriage is only up to 3%. For the Miscarriage If various factors are responsible, the majority (50-70%) can be attributed to a mutation of the baby’s chromosomes. Thus, these are genetic causes and the baby would have been born non-viable. In addition, medications can also be the cause of an Miscarriage for example, if they lead to malformation of the uterus or maldevelopment of the placenta. The same applies for alcohol and drug abuse or for a fall or an accident.
In case of the following symptoms, a pregnant woman should definitely consult a doctor who will then perform an examination. (#03)
What are the signs of miscarriage?
Pregnancy changes a lot in the body and it is therefore perfectly normal for the abdomen to be tight at times – as a rule, this is not a case of a Miscarriage. However, there are signs that may indicate that something is wrong with the child.
In case of the following symptoms, a pregnant woman should definitely consult a doctor, who will then perform an examination:
- Bleeding
- cramp-like severe pain in the lower abdomen
- strong pulling in the belly
- Lower back pain
- Purulent discharge and fever
- Leakage of amniotic fluid
It is only when the pregnancy is more advanced – around the fourth month – that an early Miscarriage to be recognized by bleeding and vein-like pain. The symptoms described above may indicate that a pregnancy is in progress Miscarriage is imminent, nevertheless pregnant women should not drive themselves crazy if they suffer from back pain o. a. suffer, because this can also have a harmless cause that does not lead to a miscarriage. Therefore, it is always important to remain as calm as possible and to see a doctor as soon as possible.
VIdeo: Trauma miscarriage: when the desired child dies
The doctor will carry out the following examinations
If the doctor suspects Miscarriage first palpate the abdomen. This allows him to determine whether there is pain in the abdomen or whether there is a contraction. If there is an infected miscarriage, the uterus will be sensitive to pressure, for example.
In the next step, the gynecologist examines the cervix and vagina. In addition, the cervix is examined more closely – the doctor assesses whether it is painful and closed. If bleeding is present, he will look for the causes. If the pregnancy is incomplete Miscarriage, it may be that there are still parts of the abortion in the cervix or in the uterus.
- Ultrasound examination: The cervix is closed when there is a threat of premature birth. In the case of a restrained miscarriage, there are no contractions or bleeding, and for this reason an ultrasound examination is essential if a miscarriage is suspected. In this way the doctor can determine if the baby is still alive. Heart sounds are detectable from about the sixth week of pregnancy and if an abortion is imminent, the gynecologist can use ultrasound to find a bruise behind the placenta.
- Laboratory testsIf the ultrasound does not provide any information, the pregnancy hormone b-hCG is determined in a laboratory. In this way it is possible to detect a decrease in the value. Regular laboratory checks also provide indications of an increased risk of miscarriage, as the blood count in such cases very often shows anemia in addition to the typical values for an infection.
Video: I had a miscarriage! ?? Storytime⎢In the bathroom
How does an early miscarriage become noticeable??
There are several forms of Miscarriage and so, for example, in the case of a complete miscarriage, the womb is also completely expelled. This usually only happens in early pregnancies. Most often this is perceived by the pregnant woman as heavy bleeding. The doctor will then look at the uterine cavity and check the b-hCG level. If the value remains, then a scraping, the so-called curettage, must be performed.
In a pregnancy from the eighth to the twelfth SSW, very often remains of the placenta remain in the uterus. In order to make a new pregnancy possible, these are scraped out. This procedure is done under general anesthesia and complications are very rare.
In some rare cases, the germ may also stop developing and remain in the uterus. In this case, doctors speak of "missed abortion" – such a Miscarriage Is often discovered during a preventive checkup. Usually the cervical canal is still closed, but the uterus does not grow and the doctor cannot hear the baby’s heartbeat. Some women notice in advance that something is wrong, for example, when pregnancy signs such as nausea or breast tenderness suddenly stop or at least become less pronounced.
How the doctor can help a woman after a Miscarriage therapy, also depends on how far the miscarriage has progressed. Under certain circumstances it is still possible to maintain the pregnancy. However, there are no special treatment options for this and usually bed rest is simply prescribed. In addition, examinations of the vagina are not performed. The unborn child is monitored, for example with ultrasound. If contractions have already started, anti labor medications will be prescribed. If the corpus luteum is insufficient, the risk of miscarriage can be reduced by administering progestogens (hormone preparations).
How can a new miscarriage be prevented??
If a woman has lost her baby due to a miscarriage, the doctor will act prudently and consistently. First of all, he will stop the bleeding, making sure that later pregnancies are not impossible or endangered. If a miscarriage is not properly scraped, the lining of the uterus, for example, can be damaged. The doctor must find the cause of the abortion in order to reduce the risk of further complications in a new pregnancy
. It is also important to take into account the mental condition of the pregnant woman. Expectant mothers are generally very afraid of miscarriage, and this fear increases even more after a miscarriage. Therefore, the gynecologist will explain the possible risks and causes of miscarriage and give the pregnant woman tips to prevent miscarriage in the future.
However, there is no magic formula to help prevent early miscarriage. It is often impossible to determine why one pregnancy results in the birth of a child, while others end prematurely.
Also, a miscarriage is not always due to a particular behavior. In most cases, the causes of miscarriage remain unclear. Doctors assume that in most cases chromosomal defects are present in the embryo, since the majority of miscarriages occur in the first weeks of pregnancy. And these genetic changes cannot be prevented by a pregnant woman, as it is a natural selection process. If a woman has already had several miscarriages, it makes sense to undergo examinations to find out what caused the miscarriage. If it is a pre-existing condition, it may be possible to prevent the miscarriage in the future.
Video: Miscarriage | Continue? Advice for those affected | QuestionsFriday Part
The diseases in question are:
- Blood clotting disorders
- Disturbance in hormone balance
- Metabolic diseases, such as diabetes
- Anemia
- Cervical insufficiency
- Infections
- Inflammation of the uterus or cervix
- Myomas
Preventing miscarriage with magnesium
Pregnant women have an increased need for magnesium, at the same time magnesium has an antispasmodic and muscle relaxing effect. Very often, doctors recommend that pregnant women take a magnesium supplement as a preventive measure, especially if there is an increased risk of miscarriage or premature birth. For this reason, pregnant women should always make sure that they consume a sufficient amount of magnesium. A magnesium deficiency can lead to premature labor or delayed fetal development.
Prevent miscarriage with folic acid
Another important nutrient needed during pregnancy is folic acid. The nutrient also called folate is essential for cell growth, cell division and blood formation. Due to the growth process during pregnancy, women have an increased need for folic acid. In addition, studies have shown that taking the appropriate preparations – ideally before pregnancy – can prevent malformations. However, it has not yet been proven whether it is possible to prevent miscarriages with folic acid.
A balanced and nutritious diet is also very important and diets are taboo during pregnancy. Sports and light physical activities are allowed and slow jogging, Nordic walking, yoga or swimming are also very suitable. (#04)
Change of lifestyle for prevention
Doctors recommend pregnant women to adjust their lifestyle and behave in a way that minimizes the risks of miscarriage. This includes, among other things, abstaining from cigarettes, drugs, alcohol and medications. A study from Denmark found that pregnant women who consumed alcohol during pregnancy suffered about 9% of miscarriages between 1996 and 2002. Smokers also have an increased risk of miscarriage.
A balanced and nutritious diet is also very important and diets are taboo during pregnancy. Sports and light physical activities are allowed and slow jogging, Nordic walking, yoga or swimming are also very suitable. The movement also loosens tensions, frees the head and prevents back pain. Not so suitable are sports that cause concussion, such as squash, tennis or horseback riding. Athletics are also not so suitable.
An infection of the vagina can be life-threatening for the unborn child, so pregnant women should attend regular check-ups during pregnancy. (#05)
Regular check-ups and avoid stress
Infection of the vagina can be life-threatening for the unborn child, so pregnant women should attend regular check-ups during pregnancy. Especially when symptoms such as itching, burning, yellowish discharge or discharge with an unpleasant odor occur. Those who are employed and are exposed to stress or a particular strain at work are usually subject to an individual or general ban on employment. Women are also prohibited from working if they have to carry heavy loads, perform physically active work or are exposed to gases or fumes that are harmful to their health.
Many people suffer from stress not only at work, but also at home. Constant stress can also lead to disturbances in the body and the hormone balance is often upset. However, the natural balance is enormously important for the growth of a child and should therefore be avoided. Physical and mental stress causes the body to release the stress hormone cortisol. This hormone is responsible for the decrease of the hormone progesterone, which is essential for the maintenance of pregnancy. Moreover, stress hormones have a vasoconstrictor effect, which endangers the nutrient supply and oxygen supply of the child. By the way, the same is true for pregnant women who get caught up in the fear of miscarriage.
How best to deal with a miscarriage?
In Germany, for every woman who has Miscarriage has suffered, the claim to help of a midwife. This is completely independent of when an abortion occurred. There is also support and grief counseling for orphaned parents on the Internet, such as in special communities and forums. Every couple grieves differently after a Miscarriage and for most sufferers, it’s easier to talk to other couples who have suffered a similar experience. There are also virtual cemeteries for star children on the Internet.
IMAGE credits:©Shutterstock cover image: Antonio Guillem -#01: KatsiarynaKa2 _-#02:wong yu liang -#03:Valua Vitaly -#04:Evgeny Atamanenko -#05:didesign021
About the author
Sabrina Muller, born in Berlin in 1982, is now the mother of three children. Actually, she did not want so many children. However, after her first daughter was really low-maintenance, Sabrina and her husband decided to have more children. No one knew that low-maintenance would not always be followed by low-maintenance again. After the first daughter another girl and a boy followed. Her rattle gang currently fills Sabrina’s life. In addition to taking care of the children, Sabrina is also involved in kindergarten and enjoys sewing and handicrafts.