Spontaneous Miscarriage

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A spontaneous (spon-TAY-nee-us) miscarriage (mis-KAR-ij) is the loss of a pregnancy before the fetus (growing baby) is born. It is also called spontaneous abortion, spontaneous pregnancy loss, or early pregnancy failure. This usually happens within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. It may not be known what caused your miscarriage. Bleeding, pain or cramps in your abdomen (stomach) and back are common signs and symptoms of miscarriage. The passage of tissue or a gush of liquid from your vagina may also be noticed.
  
  
• Ultrasound may be needed to diagnose miscarriage. If you have tissue left in your uterus, a procedure called dilatation & curettage (D & C) may be used to remove it. Most of the time there is nothing you can do to stop a miscarriage. After a miscarriage, most women can get pregnant again and have a healthy baby.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Activity:

• You may have light bleeding and then spotting from your vagina for 8 to 10 days. Use sanitary pads rather than tampons to keep from getting a vaginal infection.
  
  
• You may have sex when you feel ready. Stop if it causes pain. Talk to your caregiver if you have questions or concerns.
  
  
• You should wait two or three normal periods before trying to get pregnant again. Use birth control if you do not want to get pregnant. Talk to your caregiver about what birth control is best for you.

Rest:

Rest when you feel it is needed. Slowly start to do more each day. Return to your daily activities as directed.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have bad abdominal (stomach) pain.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, medicine, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have foul smelling drainage coming from your vagina.
  
  
• You have heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking one pad each hour).

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Spontaneous Miscarriage (Aftercare Instructions)