Miscarriage

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Causes

Signs/Symptoms

Care

• You may have an ultrasound test. It is done to check for your baby's heartbeat. Your doctor can tell if the miscarriage has happened or is about to happen.
• If your cervix (bottom part of the uterus) has opened and you are having painful cramps, a miscarriage is certain. Your doctor will watch you carefully if you start to bleed.
• After a miscarriage, you may have tissue left in your uterus. This tissue must be removed by a D & C (dilatation & curettage) because it can cause infection. This can be done in your doctor's office or the emergency department. It is sometimes done in the operating room.
• You may need to go into the hospital if you are bleeding heavily or if you need more care.

Risks

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

Call Your Doctor If...

• You have heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking 1 pad each hour).
• You have fever or chills.
• You have severe abdominal pain.
• You have a bad odor coming from your vagina.
• Your have a high temperature.

IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE HOSPITAL...

What to Expect While You're There

• Taking Vital Signs: These include your temperature, blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is taken by wrapping a cuff around your arm.
• D & C: Any tissue left in the uterus could cause heavy bleeding, and must be removed by a D & C (dilatation & curettage) to prevent infection. You will get medicine to help you relax before and during the D & C. The procedure should not be painful.
• Consent Form: You or a close family member will be asked to sign this legal piece of paper. It will give your doctor permission to do tests and treatments. Be sure that all your questions have been answered before you sign this form.
• Afterward: You will return to your hospital room. Ask for medicine if you are having pain. You may want to have someone stay with you to give comfort and support. You will go home when you are eating, drinking, and able to care for yourself.
• Activity: You will be asked to rest in bed if you are bleeding heavily. Once the bleeding has slowed down you will be able to get out of bed.
• IV: A tube placed in your vein for giving medicine or liquids. It will be capped or have tubing connected to it.
• Medicines: You may get antibiotics and medicines to fight infection. They can be taken by mouth or put in your IV.
• Blood: Usually taken from a vein in your hand or from the bend in your elbow. Tests will be done on the blood.
• Blood Transfusion: May be necessary if you need more blood.
• Abdominal and Vaginal Ultrasound: This painless test is done while you are lying down. A dab of a jelly-like lotion is placed on your belly. The person doing the test will gently move a small handle through the lotion and across the skin. A TV-like screen is attached to the handle. To perform a vaginal ultrasound, a small tube is placed in your vagina. There is no pain.
• Grief: A miscarriage is frightening, confusing and depressing. You may feel sad or angry at the loss of your pregnancy, and may tend to blame yourself. These feelings are normal. To get past them, talk with your doctor or someone close to you.

After You Leave

• Your doctor will want to see you in 2 to 6 weeks.
• Take your medicine as directed by your doctor. If you feel it is not helping, call your doctor.
• You will have spotting from your vagina for 8 to 10 days. To keep from getting an infection, use sanitary pads rather than tampons.
• Rest and slowly begin normal activity. Eat healthy foods and drink liquids.
• Your doctor will tell you how soon you may resume sex.
• You should wait 2 or 3 normal periods before trying to get pregnant. If you do not want to get pregnant, use birth control. Ask your doctor about what is best for you.
• Exercise is good. Start slowly. Exercise more as you start to feel better. It will take your body 6 to 8 weeks to return to normal.
• Feelings of loss and grief are normal. After a miscarriage, you may have headaches, problems sleeping, little interest in eating, and feelings of fatigue. Talk about your feelings. This can help you accept your loss. Don't blame yourself for the miscarriage. In most cases, nothing could have prevented it.