Different types of miscarriage and their symptoms
During pregnancy, there is always a chance of miscarriage, which is the loss of a fetus before the 20th week of pregnancy. There are different types of miscarriage, each with their own symptoms. Understanding these symptoms can help expectant mothers take appropriate steps in the event of a miscarriage.
Threatened Miscarriage
Threatened miscarriage refers to when the pregnancy is at risk of miscarriage, but bleeding and cramping occur, but the cervix is still closed. Symptoms of threatened miscarriage include bleeding, lower back pain, and cramping.
- Bleeding may be light or heavy, and it may be continuous or intermittent.
- Cramping may range from mild to severe.
- Lower back pain may occur.
- There may be no symptoms at all.
A pregnant woman experiencing threatened miscarriage should rest and avoid strenuous activities. She should also avoid intercourse and use sanitary pads instead of tampons. If the bleeding worsens or if there is an increase in pain, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Inevitable Miscarriage
Inevitable miscarriage is when the cervix begins to open, and bleeding and cramping occur. In this type of miscarriage, the cervix cannot be closed, and a miscarriage is unavoidable. Symptoms of inevitable miscarriage include bleeding, cramping, and a dilated cervix.
- Bleeding may be heavy.
- Cramping may be severe and may feel like contractions.
- The cervix will be dilated.
- There may be a passage of tissue or clots.
Inevitable miscarriage should be evaluated by a doctor immediately. If the bleeding is heavy or if a woman is experiencing severe pain, she should go to the emergency room. Treatment may involve a procedure to remove any remaining tissue from the uterus.
Incomplete Miscarriage
Incomplete miscarriage refers to the failure of the body to pass all of the pregnancy tissue after a miscarriage. Symptoms of incomplete miscarriage include bleeding, cramping, and passing tissue or clots from the vagina.
- Bleeding may be heavy.
- Cramping may be severe and may feel like contractions.
- There may be a passage of tissue or clots.
- There may be persistent bleeding or infection.
Incomplete miscarriage should be evaluated by a doctor immediately. Treatment usually involves having a procedure to remove any remaining tissue from the uterus.
Complete Miscarriage
Complete miscarriage refers to a miscarriage where all of the pregnancy tissue has passed from the uterus. Symptoms of a complete miscarriage include bleeding, cramping, and the passage of tissue or clots from the vagina.
- Bleeding may be heavy.
- Cramping may be severe and may feel like contractions.
- There may be a passage of tissue or clots.
- Bleeding and cramping will eventually stop.
Complete miscarriage does not require treatment, but a doctor should be consulted to ensure that all of the pregnancy tissue has been passed and to make sure there are no complications.
Molar Pregnancy
Molar pregnancy is a rare type of miscarriage that occurs when the placenta develops into an abnormal mass of cells. These cells may grow into benign or cancerous tumors. Symptoms of molar pregnancy include vaginal bleeding, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal swelling.
- Bleeding may be light or heavy.
- Nausea and vomiting may occur.
- Abdominal swelling may be present.
- There may be anemia.
Treatment for molar pregnancy usually involves surgery to remove the abnormal tissue from the uterus and monitoring for possible complications. Follow-up care is important to ensure that no further treatment is necessary.
Conclusion
While miscarriage can be a difficult experience, understanding the different types of miscarriage and their symptoms can be helpful for expecting mothers. By being aware of the signs of a miscarriage, a woman can take appropriate steps to protect her health and seek medical attention if necessary. Expectant mothers should always consult with their doctors if they have any concerns about their pregnancy.