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.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

A miscarriage may cause heavy bleeding or an infection. You could have more serious problems if the bleeding is not stopped or if the infection is not treated. The risk of serious illness is small if you follow your caregiver's suggestions. Ask your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about your miscarriage or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

Activity:

You may need to walk around the same day of surgery, or the day after. Movement will help prevent blood clots. You may also be given exercises to do in bed. Do not get out of bed on your own until your caregiver says you can. Talk to caregivers before you get up the first time. They may need to help you stand up safely. When you are able to get up on your own, sit or lie down right away if you feel weak or dizzy. Then press the call light button to let caregivers know you need help.

Medicines:

You may be given the following medicines:

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
  
  
• Blood type medicine: You may need this medicine if your blood type is Rh negative.
  
  
• Pain medicine: Caregivers may give you medicine to take away or decrease your pain.
  
  
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe to ask for your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling a caregiver when you want to get out of bed or if you need help.

Tests:

• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• Vaginal ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to show pictures of the inside of your uterus (womb) and ovaries. A small tube is placed into your vagina. Pictures of your uterus and ovaries are seen on a TV-like screen.

Treatment options:

• Blood transfusion: You will get whole or parts of blood through an IV during a transfusion. Blood is tested for diseases, such as hepatitis and HIV, to be sure it is safe.
  
  
• Dilatation & curettage: This procedure is also called D&C. It is done to remove the tissue left in your uterus. The D&C may also be needed to control bleeding or to keep you from getting an infection.
  
  
• Surgery: You may need surgery if you are bleeding too much and it cannot be controlled.

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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 (Inpatient Care)