Description
A loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week of pregnancy. But most happen before the pregnancy is 12 weeks along. Miscarriage occurs commonly. About 15% to 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. The most common reason is failure of a fertilized egg to progress to an embryo or genetic changes that occur early on in the fetus. A common sign of miscarriage is vaginal bleeding, but many pregnancies with bleeding do not end in miscarriage.
Symptoms
Vaginal bleeding, lower abdominal pain, low back pain.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests include: blood tests for qualitative HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin) to confirm pregnancy, quantitaive HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin) to estimate the age of the pregnancy, and blood type with Rh factor. Also a pelvic ultrasound will usually be done to determine if the fetus is alive.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: Type and Rh
Specialists:
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests include: blood tests for qualitative HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin) to confirm pregnancy, quantitaive HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin) to estimate the age of the pregnancy, and blood type with Rh factor. Also a pelvic ultrasound will usually be done to determine if the fetus is alive.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: Type and Rh
Specialists:
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Treatment
If an ultrasound demonstrates products of conception are still present in the uterus, a dilation and curettage may be done. Alternatively, misoprostol can be given to medically remove the contents of the pregnancy. Women who are Rh negative will receive a RhoGAM injection to prevent sensitization to future pregnancies.