Miscarriage

A miscarriage, also called a spontaneous abortion, is the unexpected ending of a pregnancy. About 1/3 to 1/2 of all pregnancies end in miscarriage before a person misses a menstrual period or even knows they are pregnant. About 10 to 20% of people who know they are pregnant will miscarry.

At Indigo, we can offer support for those who have suffered a miscarriage and provide advice for the future. Early pregnancy scans can be performed if you fall pregnant again and treatment if needed.

A miscarriage is most likely to occur within the first 3 three months of pregnancy, before 20 weeks’ gestation. Only 1% of miscarriages occur after 20 weeks’ gestation. These are termed late miscarriages.

Most people (87%) who have miscarriages have subsequent normal pregnancies and births. Having a miscarriage does not necessarily mean you have a fertility problem. About 1% of people might have repeated miscarriages (three or more). Remember that usually a miscarriage cannot be prevented and often occurs because the pregnancy is not normal.

Although there is no recommended waiting period to attempt pregnancy, it may be appropriate to discuss the timing of your next pregnancy with a doctor. To prevent another miscarriage, it might be recommended that you have treatment with progesterone, a hormone needed for implantation in the uterus. If you have an illness, treating the condition can improve the chances for a successful pregnancy.

Taking time to heal both physically and emotionally after a miscarriage is important. Above all, don’t blame yourself for the miscarriage. Counselling is available to help you cope with your loss.

A pregnancy loss support group might also be a valuable resource to you and your partner.

If you’ve had two miscarriages in a row, you should stop trying to conceive, and consider having some tests to determine the cause of the miscarriages.

At Indigo, we can offer support for those who have suffered a miscarriage and provide advice for the future. Early pregnancy scans can be performed from 6 weeks to check the pregnancy is not an ectopic pregnancy, and that a heartbeat is present. Many find such scans a real help in allaying any anxiety.

Useful link:

https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/