In this Article

• What is a miscarriage?
• What causes a miscarriage, and what are the tests for the different causes?
• What does NOT cause miscarriage?
• Are there lifestyle factors associated with miscarriage?
• What are the symptoms of a miscarriage?
• What will the doctor look for during an examination with suspected miscarriage?
• How is threatened abortion evaluated?
• What are common terms a woman might hear during evaluation for miscarriage?
• What treatment can a woman expect when she has had a miscarriage?
• When should a woman receive evaluation for underlying causes of pregnancy loss?
• Can something be done to prevent future miscarriages?
• Miscarriage At A Glance
• Miscarriage Glossary
• Miscarriage Index

What treatment can a woman expect when she has had a miscarriage?

The central goal of the doctor in this situation will be to try to figure out whether the woman has passed all of the tissue from the fetus and placenta. If she has passed all the tissue, she may only require observation by medical personnel. On the other hand, a woman who has not passed all of the tissue (incomplete abortion) will usually need suction dilation and curettage of the uterus to remove any retained products of the pregnancy. This procedure is done with local anesthesia, and sometimes antibiotics may be prescribed for the woman.

When should a woman receive evaluation for underlying causes of pregnancy loss?

Currently, most practitioners will not initiate an extensive medical evaluation for a single pregnancy loss, since the chance of having a normal pregnancy subsequent to even two consecutive miscarriages is 80-90%. For women with recurrent pregnancy loss, an evaluation will focus on the pattern and history of the prior miscarriages. Three consecutive miscarriages would suggest a woman should receive further evaluation.

Thus, the following tests are considered for women with three consecutive miscarriages. Blood testing can be done to identify chromosomal abnormalities in the couple that could be transmitted to the fetus. The couple can each appear completely normal but still carry chromosomal defects, which, when combined, can be lethal to the embryo. This type of testing is called karyotyping, and it is performed on both members of the couple. A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) can identify anatomical abnormalities within the uterus. Antinuclear antibody, anticardiolipin antibody, VDRL, RPR, and lupus anticoagulant are some of the blood tests used to diagnose autoimmune diseases that can cause recurrent miscarriage. As described above, some of these illnesses will already by apparent to the woman and her doctor, but not all cases. Other antibody tests may be performed as well.