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MISCARRIAGE
Miscarriage Support Miscarriage affects one in every 4 women and is a pregnancy that ends spontaneously before 20 weeks and the baby dies, although the foetus may not actually miscarry till some weeks later. There may be no heartbeat discovered during a routine scan. 90% of miscarriages occur in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. The chance of miscarrying your first pregnancy is greater than later ones.
What Happens During a Miscarriage
The foetus, placenta and blood from the uterus leave the body through the vagina. This can happen quickly or over a period of time. Exactly which symptoms you experience depends on the cause of your miscarriage and the stage of your pregnancy. By the time bleeding begins your baby may have already died. You treatment may only be monitored or you could be given pills to help the body's natural process or have a D&C recommended. Types of Miscarriage
Missed; Threatening; Inevitable; Incomplete; Complete.
Threatening miscarriage may be experienced for days or even weeks before you lose the baby. At this stage you could experience any of the following:
* Light bleeding.
* Pain similar to period pain.
* Cramps
* The nausea and tender breasts associated with pregnancy may disappear.
* A sense of no longer 'feeling' pregnant.
About 40% of bleeding episodes occur during early pregnancy, usually at 5 to 7 weeks, and is spotting (normally dark blood) at about the time your period would have been due.
Sometimes a small amount of blood is lost when the placenta matures at about 7 weeks and takes over the progesterone production. This can be frightening but is quite common and in most cases your pregnancy will continue as normal without harming the baby at all. These situations only lead to a miscarriage in 20% of cases.
Sometimes, if the corpus luteum is not functioning properly and is therefore not making adequate amounts of progesterone, you will miscarry. What You Should Do If You Are Miscarrying
Unfortunately no intervention can save your baby but you will still need medical help. If you are alone dial 111 for an ambulance.
Do not drive if you are having a miscarriage. After Miscarriage
You will normally bleed for about 7 to 10 days while your uterus heals. In order to prevent infection during this time it is important to use sanitary pads (not tampons), avoid intercourse and shower instead of bathing. Do not use spa pools or swimming pools.
If you have bleeding that lasts longer than 2 weeks, pain or your temperature rises, this may indicate infection or incomplete miscarriage. See your medical professional
or go to an emergency clinic.
Feelings
Miscarriage is both the birth and death of a baby and will usually be followed by grief. Everybody reacts differently, and we encourage you to accept your feelings whatever they are. It is the strength of the bond with your baby, not the pregnancy length that determines the intensity of your grief. Confusion and emotional isolation are common also and your self esteem can plummet. Do not let others minimize or invalidate your feelings. Completion
We recommend naming your baby and having a farewell ceremony to help this process. Others find comfort in something meaningful such as a memento or planting a tree as a symbol of the bond with their baby. Although you never forget, healthy grieving is usually completed by 6 months. There are no legal requirements for miscarriage. Information kindly supplied by:
Miscarriage Support Auckland Inc.
Supportline 09 378 4060
W/S www.miscarriage.org.nz
E/S support@miscarriagesupport.org.nz
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