We are so sorry that this has happened to you. Unfortunately, early pregnancy
loss is quite common. As many as 10-20% of all recognized pregnancies
end in miscarriage, but this does not make it easier to process. Please
remember that you did not do anything to cause the loss. Most miscarriages
occur because the fetus is not developing as expected.
We understand that this is a life-changing and difficult time for you,
as well as your family, and we want to be sure that you have the support
you need. .
What to Expect During a Miscarriage
Bleeding may start as spotting or a gush of blood. The progression may
be difficult to predict. The heaviest bleeding usually lasts three to
five hours. This bleeding is usually associated with mild to severe cramping
and pain. You may pass clots or grayish tissue.
Bleeding may continue for one to two weeks and vary from red to pink. Usually,
close to the end of your miscarriage, bleeding turns brown or black. The
amount of bleeding and discomfort varies for each woman and individual
circumstances.
Some bloodwork may be necessary to facilitate your care. A Quantitative
HCG test (beta quant) measures the amount of pregnancy hormone in your
blood. This result helps your provider determine if all of the pregnancy
tissue has passed.
It is also important to determine your blood type. If this information
is not already in your records, it will be ordered for you. If you are
Rh negative, you will receive a Rhogam injection for prevention of possible
future pregnancy complications.
During a miscarriage the following are advised:
Take Ibuprofen or Tylenol
Take a warm shower, no baths
Heating pad to abdomen or back
Relaxation techniques
Massage or back rubs (may use essential oils if desired)
Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids
No tampons
No intercourse until bleeding stops
No swimming or hot tubs
No douches
During a miscarriage report to the Emergency Department if you are experiencing:
Saturating full sized maxi pad in one hour or less
Fever greater than 100.4
Foul smelling vaginal discharge
Dizziness or feeling faint
Severe cramping or pain
Physical recovery after miscarriage should only take a few days. Your period
should return in 4-6 weeks. Please be sure to keep your follow-up appointment.
It is possible to become pregnant in your first cycle. Be sure to discuss
birth control options if you do not desire another pregnancy at this time.
If another pregnancy is desired, please continue taking Prenatal Vitamins.
A nurse will be available to discuss how you are feeling physically and
emotionally. Please contact your OB/GYN office for further assistance.
Coping With Miscarriage
The loss of a pregnancy can be very difficult; however, each woman must
find her own way to cope. Some women may be able to move on quickly or
even feel relieved, and others may feel a deep sense of loss and may take
a long time to heal emotionally.
There is no right or wrong way to deal with a miscarriage and no guidelines
to be followed. It is OK to feel just how you feel.
Miscarriage can be difficult because you never have a chance to meet your
child. Some women grieve the loss of the baby’s future or being
a parent. Physical symptoms are a constant reminder of the loss…
bleeding, cramping, feeling tired and emotional. The need for a D&C
or further testing can also add to stress and sadness.
Friends and family can be helpful, but some may say things that you might
find hurtful. They may expect you to feel a certain way. Try to surround
yourself with people that seem to understand your feelings.
There may be some situations that may be difficult at first. One example
may be a baby shower for a friend or family member. It is OK to wait until
you feel more ready to deal with these events. The feelings of dealing
with a miscarriage can bring couples closer together or cause strain in
relationships. Partners often deal differently with the sense of loss.
Feelings that are different are not necessarily better or worse; they
just are what they are. If you and your partner are feeling stress in
your relationship, it may be helpful to talk with a counselor.
Try to be reassured that miscarriage is common and is not usually a sign
that you cannot carry another pregnancy if you desire one in the future.
Some health care professionals consider a miscarriage as an indication
of future fertility. If you have had several losses, it is a good idea
to talk to your provider.
Guilt is a common feeling after a loss. Many women desire to know why they
miscarried. Usually, the loss cannot be explained. Please talk to your
OB/GYN provider if you have any questions or concerns.
Pregnancy Loss Management
Once pregnancy loss has been definitively diagnosed, it is important that
all of the pregnancy tissue is cleared from your uterus. There are three
options that may be discussed with you by your provider.
The following information is meant to give a basic explanation of options.
Some of these may not be appropriate for your circumstance. Your provider
will provide guidance to assist in deciding the best option for you.
Expectant Management
This is the “waiting” option. Sometimes it is recommended to
give time for the miscarriage to happen naturally. This method is not
predictable, especially if the miscarriage process has not yet begun.
It may take days, or even 3-4 weeks, for your body to expel the pregnancy
tissue. Your provider will help you decide how long it is appropriate
to wait. Sometimes contractions of the uterus do not start on their own
and one of the other options may become necessary.
Medical Management
Medication can be prescribed by your provider to facilitate starting the
miscarriage process. Misoprostol (Cytotec) is placed into the vagina and
causes the uterus to contract and pass the pregnancy through the cervix.
This process is similar to natural miscarriage and may cause heavy vaginal
bleeding, passage of clots, and significant cramping and discomfort. To
learn more about Cytotec,
click here.
Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
D&C (also sometimes called D&E or Dilation and Evacuation) is a
surgical procedure. Anesthesia is administered and then the cervix is
dilated in order to gently remove tissue from the lining of the uterus.
This is an outpatient procedure done at the hospital. You may experience
cramping for the first day or two after the procedure. Bleeding is usually
lighter and shorter duration after a D&C.
D&C may be the best option if:
Bleeding becomes excessive
If tissue needs to be examined
If you are further along in pregnancy
Please note, all pregnancy tissue is handled respectfully and is transferred
to a mausoleum. If you desire to make your own arrangements, please let
your provider know.
If you have any questions or concerns, call your IHS OB/GYN office for
more information.
Butler or Clarion Areas
844-765-2845 Westmoreland Area
724-850-3150
