ABOUT THE DISEASE
An involuntary loss of foetus or pregnancy before the 20th week is called miscarriage, any time after this is termed as preterm delivery. This mostly happens during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy and in more than 15% pregnancies.
SYMPTOMS
- • Bleeding or spotting from the vagina.
- • Low back pain or Cramping of the lower abdomen.
- • Passing of fluid from the vagina with or without cramps or abdominal pain.
DIAGNOSIS
- Pelvic examination
- Ultrasound
- Blood tests to rule out anemia, infection, Rh incompatibility, etc.
CAUSES
About half of all miscarriages that occur in the first trimester are caused by chromosomal abnormalities — which might be hereditary or spontaneous. Other unknown reasons could be -
• Infection
• Exposure to high levels of radiation or toxic agents
• Hormonal irregularities
• Improper in-plantation of fertilized egg in the uterine lining
• Maternal age
• An abnormal shaped uterus, fibroid tumors or congenital abnormalities.
• Incompetent cervix
• Lifestyle factors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or using illegal drugs
• Disorders of the immune system including lupus, an autoimmune disease
• Severe kidney disease
• Congenital heart disease
• Uncontrolled Diabetes
• Thyroid disease
• Certain medicines
• Severe malnutrition
TREATMENT METHODS
- If all the tissue in the uterus has passed out, no further treatment is required.
- If any portion of foetus or placenta is left, D and C (Dilatation and Curettage) is advised.
- Antibiotic medication.
- Rh immunoglobulin if Rh factor incompatibility between the couple is detected.
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