Threatened Miscarriage
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Ectopic Pregnancy |
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Threatened Miscarriage |
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Placenta Praevia |
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Abruption |
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Actual Miscarriage |
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Pregnancy after Miscarriage |
Most bleeding occurs during the first trimester, and this bloody
vaginal discharge may be termed 'a threatened miscarriage'. Often
referred to as 'implantation bleeding' - slight blood loss may occur
when the embryo attaches itself to the uterine wall, seven to ten
days after conception. If bleeding ceases after one day and there
are no uterine cramps present, your chances of a healthy pregnancy
are good. However it is not normal to bleed during pregnancy, and
signs should be viewed with concern and not taken lightly.
A few possible reasons for vaginal bleeding may be:
Cervical erosion
Small pieces of the placenta may have separated from the wall of the uterusThere may have been a partially suppressed period, which happens when the body fails to make sufficient pregnancy hormone to stop the period completely.
Polyps may be present.
You may have an infection, such as cystitis, which causes bleeding from the urethra.
Diagnosing a threatened miscarriage
Your doctor may perform an internal examination in order to distinguish between a threatened and an actual miscarriage. In the case of a threatened miscarriage, the uterus will be the appropriate size according to the length of gestation, if an actual miscarriage has occurred, the amniotic sac and placental tissue may only have been partially expelled, which is commonly known as an incomplete abortion, or they may have been completely expelled and the uterus will be smaller. If a threatened miscarriage is diagnosed, you will be referred for an ultrasound scan to assess the health and development of the fetus.Treatment
In most cases, the pregnancy will proceed as per normal, but there are times when a threatened miscarriage progresses to an actual miscarriage. Therefore it is difficult to prove that one particular measure will reduce the likelihood of you becoming prey to this traumatic event. However, it is highly recommended that you rest as much as possible and refrain from sexual intercourse, where the contracting of the uterus during orgasm may be sufficient to precipitate miscarriage, if the pregnancy is already in danger.Your doctor may in severe cases, also suggest certain drug and hormone treatments, but the main worry here is it having an adverse affect on the fetus.
