By Dr Jyoti Bhaskar, Gynaecology

Miscarriage refers to a pregnancy that has ended prematurely, within 20 weeks. Research shows that around 10-25% of all clinically recognized pregnancies end in miscarriages. Chemical pregnancies cause 50-75% of all miscarriages. The condition happens when a pregnancy is lost not long after implantation, bringing about bleeding that happens around the time of her normal period. The woman may not understand that she has conceived when she encounters a chemical pregnancy.

The normal period where miscarriages are expected to occur is during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. While pregnancy can be an overwhelming and exciting experience, it is beneficial that the woman keeps herself informed about the possibilities of miscarriages.

Some types of miscarriage are:

1. Threatened Miscarriage
2. Inevitable or Incomplete Miscarriage
3. Complete Miscarriage
4. Missed Miscarriage
5. Recurrent Miscarriage
6. Blighted Ovum
7. Ectopic Pregnancy
8. Molar Pregnancy

Symptoms:
In case of any of the following signs, the doctor should be consulted immediately,

1. Mild to Severe Pain
2. White-Pink Mucus
3. Weight Loss
4. True Contractions
5. Sudden Decrease in Signs of pregnancy
6. Tissue made of clot-like material passing from the vagina
7. Bright red or Brown bleeding with or without cramps

Treatment:
The main purpose of treatment is to prevent haemorrhage and infection. It is common that the body expels all the fetal fluid during the earlier stages of the pregnancy. In case it doesn’t, a procedure known as D&C (Dilution & Curettage) is performed to remove the fluid and prevent infection.

Since most miscarriages occur due to chromosomal abnormalities, nothing significant can be done to prevent them.

Steps to be taken to ensure a healthy conception are:

1. Regular Exercise
2. Stress Management
3. Daily consumption of folic acid
4. Not smoking

   If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a gynaecologist and ask a free question.