Miscarriage

• Bleeding from the vagina.
• Cramping of the uterus.
• Passage of blood clots or tissue from the vagina.

Why does a miscarriage occur?
Most of the time we cannot find a cause. Over half of all miscarriages happen because the baby is not normal. We do know that miscarriage is NOT something which the mother has caused to happen. There is no treatment which can prevent a miscarriage once it has started.

How will I feel when I go home?
Normal symptoms which follow a miscarriage include:

1. Bleeding - The type of bleeding may vary. You may stop after a few days or you may bleed on and off for several weeks. The bleeding should become less in amount each day and change from bright red to pink with more mucous. It is normal to pass clots. Keep in mind that when you lie down blood collects in your vagina. When you stand up this may pass in a large gush.

2. Cramping - Minor low abdominal cramping is normal after a suction procedure. This will be more likely if you have had children. You may take two aspirin or Ibuprofen (Advil) every four hours.

3. Nausea - Nausea and some vomiting may occur with a suction procedure. This is fairly common and should pass within a few minutes.

4. Grief and anger - These feelings are very common after a miscarriage. Some women feel guilty and try to think of a reason which could explain the miscarriage. It is important for you to be aware that neither you nor your partner caused the miscarriage. You should also know that having one miscarriage does not mean that the next pregnancy will have the same result.

Symptoms which are not normal after a miscarriage.

1. Bleeding which is more than a normal period. Soaking one maxi pad in one hour would be too much bleeding.

2. Fever above 100° F or 38° C.

3. Vaginal discharge which smells foul or looks infected.

4. Low abdominal pain or tenderness lasting more than 24 hours.

Taking care of yourself after a miscarriage.

1. Take your temperature by mouth (under the tongue) two times daily for one week, in the late afternoon and at bedtime. Leave the thermometer in your mouth for five minutes. Call us if it is 100° F or 38° C.

2. Avoid intercourse, douching or tampons for at least two weeks. This is to prevent infection.

3. You may take a tub bath or shower as you wish.

4. Slowly resume normal activities. You may return to work the next day unless your doctor tells you not to.

5. If your blood type is Rh negative you will be given a shot of Rhogam to prevent problems with Rh disease.

6. You will be given an appointment to return for an examination. At that time, your doctor will discuss birth control, when you may attempt another pregnancy, and how you are coping with your pregnancy loss.

Freidman, Rochelle and Gradstein, Bonnie. Surviving Pregnancy Loss, Little, Brown and Company, Boston, 1982.

See related Patient Textbooks about Obstetrics and Gynecology.

See related Patient Topics Obstetrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pregnancy, Pregnancy and Reproduction, Pregnancy Loss or Women's Health.

See related Provider Textbooks about Obstetrics and Gynecology.

See related Provider Topics Obstetrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pregnancy, Pregnancy and Reproduction, Pregnancy Loss or Women's Health.

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