Hi Readers,
This week’s topic is miscarriages. This is a topic that we don’t particularly talk about even though miscarriages are much more common than most people realise. Among individuals that know they are pregnant, 1 in 8 pregnancies will end in a miscarriage.
The NHS states that there are many more miscarriages that happen before a person is even aware of their pregnancy. While losing 3 or more pregnancies in a row is uncommon, it may affect up to 1 in 100 people.
Preventing a miscarriage
Most miscarriages cannot be prevented. That being said, avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol, and using drugs while pregnant while maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of a miscarriage.
Causes of a miscarriage
There are many reasons why miscarriages happen. Unfortunately, the cause is not usually identified. Most of the time, miscarriages are not caused by anything the person has done.
Some researchers think that most miscarriages are caused by abnormal chromosomes in the baby. If the baby has too many or not enough chromosomes, it will not develop properly.
Symptoms of a miscarriage
The main sign of a miscarriage is vaginal bleeding, which may be followed by cramping and pain in the lower abdomen. *if this happens to you, please contact your GP or your midwife*
Most GPs can refer you to an early pregnancy unit at your local hospital straight away, if necessary. If the pregnancy is at a later stage, the person will be referred to a maternity ward.
Be aware that in the first 3 months of the pregnancy, light vaginal bleeding is relatively common. This does not necessarily mean that there will be or has been a miscarriage.
If symptoms of a miscarriage are present, the person will be referred to the hospital for tests and an ultrasound scan.
If a miscarriage is confirmed, the person will need to speak to their doctor or midwife to manage the end of their pregnancy. Tissues will usually pass naturally in 1-2 weeks. Other options include the medicine option to assist the passage of the tissue or minor surgery to help remove the tissues if the person does not want to wait.
Post miscarriage
A miscarriage can be emotionally and physically draining. Every person is different and will deal with it differently.
Once the symptoms are no longer present and the person is ready, they can begin to try getting pregnant again.
Having a miscarriage does not mean that it will happen again. The NHS states that most people are able to have a healthy pregnancy after a miscarriage, even in cases of recurrent miscarriages.
Be kind to one another,
Julia, Sexologist.
For further reading click here.
Guides and workbooks are available here.
Julia, Sexologist 