Threatened Miscarriage
GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is a threatened miscarriage? Vaginal bleeding within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy is called a threatened miscarriage, or threatened abortion. It may mean that you have an increased chance of having a miscarriage. However, most women who have vaginal bleeding or spotting during early pregnancy go on to have healthy babies.
Why does bleeding or spotting during pregnancy happen? Many things may cause vaginal bleeding or spotting during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Most of the time, there is nothing you could have done to stop this from happening. Caregivers may never know what caused your bleeding. The following are some of the more common reasons to have vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.
- Growths or other problems (such as polyps or fibroids) of your female organs.
- A problem with where or how the placenta is attached to the uterus (womb). The placenta is an organ that lets your baby get nutrition from your body.
- Ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy growing outside of the uterus).
- A problem with your fetus (unborn baby).
- Incompetent cervix (the opening at the bottom of your uterus opens too soon).
- Infection.
- Bleeding may happen around the time your monthly period would have started if you were not pregnant.
- Bleeding may start after having sexual intercourse.
What are the signs and symptoms of a threatened miscarriage? Vaginal spotting or bleeding is the most common sign of a threatened miscarriage. You may also have a low backache or cramping pain in your abdomen (belly). The pain may feel like menstrual cramps.
How is vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy treated?
- Your caregiver will do a pelvic exam to check your female organs. Your caregiver will check your cervix (bottom of your uterus) to see if it is closed. You may have an ultrasound test to look at the inside of your uterus. You may also have blood tests to check for infection, your hCG level, and other things. HCG is a hormone that caregivers keep track of to see how your pregnancy is doing.
- There is no sure way to prevent a miscarriage. Try to decrease or control your stress. You may need to rest and not have sex for a period of time. Do not use tampons, and do not douche. Do not use ibuprofen or medicines that have ibuprofen in them. Ibuprofen and other medicines may increase your risk of having a miscarriage. Your caregiver may suggest acetaminophen to help decrease any discomfort you may have. Do not smoke, and do not drink liquids that contain alcohol. You may need other treatments if a cause for your bleeding is found. Talk to your caregiver about any concerns you may have.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
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