Miscarriage, also known as spontaneous abortion, is the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. It is a common experience, affecting about 10–20% of all recognised pregnancies.

Recurrent miscarriage, also known as recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), is defined as the occurrence of three or more consecutive miscarriages.

The emotional impact of miscarriage can be significant, and it is important for individuals who have experienced a miscarriage to give themselves time to grieve and to seek support from loved ones, a mental health professional, or a support group.

What is a Miscarriage?

A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. It is different from a stillbirth, which is the loss of a pregnancy after the 20th week, or an abortion, which is the termination of a pregnancy.

Causes of Miscarriage

There are several potential causes of miscarriage:

Chromosomal abnormalities
Uterine abnormalities
Hormonal imbalances
infections
Autoimmune disorders.

In some cases, the cause may not be identified.

Symptoms of Miscarriage

Vaginal bleeding: This may be light or heavy and may be accompanied by abdominal cramps.

Abdominal pain: This may be a dull ache or a sharp pain and may be constant or intermittent.

Cramping: The cramps may feel similar to menstrual cramps and may be accompanied by vaginal bleeding.

Passage of tissue: Some people may experience the passage of tissue or clots through the vagina.

It is important to note that not all miscarriages will have all of these symptoms, and some people may not experience any symptoms at all.

Treatment options for Miscarriage

Treatment for a miscarriage will depend on the specific cause and the stage of the pregnancy. In some cases, no treatment may be necessary.

Other treatment options may include medications to support a healthy pregnancy, lifestyle changes, or surgery to correct underlying medical conditions.

Sometimes, things get even more complicated, resulting in multiple miscarriages. This phenomenon is called a recurrent miscarriage.

What is Recurrent Miscarriage?

Recurrent miscarriage, also known as recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), is defined as the occurrence of three or more consecutive miscarriages. Identifying the underlying cause of recurrent miscarriages can be complex, and a thorough medical evaluation is necessary. Causes may include genetic abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, uterine abnormalities, and autoimmune disorders.

Treatment options for Recurrent Miscarriage

The treatment options for miscarriage and recurrent miscarriage can vary depending on the specific cause and individual circumstances. In some cases, the treatment options for both may be similar, while in other cases, they may differ.

For a miscarriage, the treatment may depend on the stage of the pregnancy and the cause of the miscarriage. In some cases, no treatment may be necessary, and the body may expel the pregnancy naturally. In other cases, medications may be prescribed to help the body expel the pregnancy or prevent infection.

If the miscarriage is incomplete, a procedure called dilation and curettage (D&C) may be performed to remove any remaining tissue. For recurrent miscarriage, a thorough medical evaluation is usually recommended to determine the underlying cause. The treatment may depend on the specific cause identified.

For example, if a chromosomal abnormality is a cause, genetic counselling may be recommended, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) may be an option. If an autoimmune disorder is identified, medications may be prescribed to help manage the condition.

In some cases, lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, may be recommended for both miscarriage and recurrent miscarriage.

Conclusion

Experiencing a miscarriage, whether singular or recurrent, can be emotionally challenging. It is important to give yourself time to grieve and to seek support from loved ones, a mental health professional, or a support group. Partners should be supportive and understanding during this difficult time.

Seeking support and understanding from loved ones and working with a healthcare team can help cope with the emotional impact of miscarriage and recurrent miscarriage.

If you or a loved one has experienced a miscarriage or recurrent miscarriages, taking care of your physical and emotional well-being is important. It is also important to remember that you are not alone and that resources are available to help you through this challenging experience.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, DELHI-NCR - Chirag Enclave. Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.

1. Can recurrent miscarriages be prevented?

The cause of recurrent miscarriages may not always be identified, but seeking medical evaluation and treatment for underlying medical conditions may help to prevent future miscarriages.

2. Is it normal to feel guilty after a miscarriage?

It is common to feel a range of emotions after a miscarriage, including guilt. It is important to remember that a miscarriage is not your fault and that you are not alone in your feelings. Seeking support from loved ones and a mental health professional can help cope with these emotions.

3. Can stress cause a miscarriage?

There is limited evidence to suggest that stress alone may cause a miscarriage, but it is possible that stress may contribute to certain medical conditions that can increase the risk of miscarriage, such as high blood pressure. It is important to manage stress and to seek medical attention if you have any concerns about your pregnancy.

4. Can I get pregnant again after a miscarriage?

Most people who have experienced a miscarriage go on to have healthy pregnancies in the future. It is generally recommended to wait for one menstrual cycle before trying to conceive again, but it is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider.

5. Is it safe to have sex after a miscarriage?

It is generally safe to have sex after a miscarriage, but it is important to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations and to wait until any bleeding has stopped.