Miscarriage (cont.)

Medical Author:

Vicken P Sepilian, MD

Coauthor:

Chester D Shermer, MD

Coauthor:

Verena Valley, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Miscarriage Treatment

If your health care provider feels that you are having a spontaneous abortion or miscarriage, little can be done in the way of prevention.If you are actively miscarrying and your health care provider does not think you have a living pregnancy, you will also be seen by an obstetrician (specialist in women's reproductive health), who may recommend ending the pregnancy. A procedure called dilation and curettage (D&C) can be performed or further observation takes place to let nature take its course.

• If you have a urinary tract infection, antibiotics that are safe to take in pregnancy will be prescribed.

• In certain situations, you and your baby may have incompatible blood types. Ifyour blood sample shows that you areRh factor negative (a certain blood type), you will be given medication (RhoGAM) to prevent a possible blood type interaction with the baby (which could occur if the baby were Rh positive).

• You will be counseled and given materials or instruction concerning the possibility of spontaneous abortion.If the mouth of your uterus is closed, if you are not bleeding heavily, your lab work is normal, and an ultrasound shows you do not have an ectopic pregnancy, you may rest at home with the following instructions:

• Get plenty of rest.

• Avoid douching and sexual intercourse.

• Watch for the passage of any white or gray material from your vagina. This may represent what are known as the products of conception.

• Return to the emergency department if bleeding or pain worsens, or if you develop fever, weakness, or dizziness.

• Go to your doctor to be reexamined in about 48 hours.