Miscarriage

Miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week of gestation, often referred to as a spontaneous abortion. It is one of the most common complications of pregnancy, affecting up to 15% of all pregnancies. The exact cause of miscarriage is often is thought to be due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Common risk factors for miscarriage include advanced maternal age, a history of recurrent miscarriages, obesity, smoking, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disease. The most common symptom of a miscarriage is vaginal bleeding, and this might be accompanied by abdominal pain and cramping. Other signs of a miscarriage might include the passing of tissue from the vagina or the uterus becoming smaller. Diagnosis of a miscarriage is usually done by ultrasound or by a physical examination, and treatment usually involves the administration of medications or a surgical procedure to remove any remaining products of conception. Managing the emotional impact of a miscarriage can be a difficult process, and it is important to seek support from family and friends. In some cases, counselling might be beneficial to help process the physical and emotional reactions to the loss.