Get Miscarriage Treatment with Expert Gynaecologist

Diagnosis and Treatment of Miscarriage

Diagnosis of Miscarriage

Doctors may prescribe any of the following diagnostic tests to identify the type of miscarriage and the severity of the condition. 

• Blood test- It is usually performed to check the level of human gonadotropin (hCG). hCG is a pregnancy hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. hCG level is usually high in pregnancy however, any abnormal changes in the level of hCG can indicate a sign of miscarriage.
• Pelvic exam- This test is usually prescribed to check the cervix thinning or any opening.
• Ultrasound- This test involves sound waves to produce images of the internal structure of your body that provides you valuable information for diagnosing the miscarriage and directing a treatment procedure.
• Tissue test- In miscarriage, women usually pass vaginal tissue, hence doctors inoculate these tissues to ensure the miscarriage condition. 
• Chromosomal test- This test is prescribed if you had previous one or two miscarriages to check for any chromosomal abnormalities.

Treatment of Miscarriage-

In some cases of complete miscarriage, the uterus itself expels all the fetal tissues. However, if the body doesn’t remove all the pregnancy tissues, then the doctor recommends the removal of pregnancy tissues either with medication or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition. 

• Medication- 

Medication is usually prescribed if you had a miscarriage before 10 weeks of pregnancy to expel the pregnancy tissue and placenta. Misoprostol and ibuprofen are two effective medicines that stimulate the uterus to expel the pregnancy tissue. They also help in reducing cramps, nausea, vomiting and chills. However, after medication, you may experience heavy bleeding, which indicates the treatment has been effective. 

• Surgical treatment-

Surgery is quite an effective treatment for miscarriage in the later weeks. Dilation and curettage (D&C) is the surgical procedure performed to expel the pregnancy tissues from the birth canal. In this procedure, doctors give methotrexate to dilate the cervix completely, and after that surgeon uses a curette to remove all the tissues from the uterine cavity and clear the uterine lining.

How to prepare for D&C surgery for miscarriage treatment?

Your doctor is likely to suggest a list of ways to prepare you well for the surgery treatment- 

• Discuss all your medications, supplements and herbal potions with your doctor. You might need to stop a few medications before the surgery that can potentially increase the risk of blood loss during the surgery procedure.   
• Avoid drinking and eating anything at least 4-6 hours before the surgery, as it may increase the risk of anesthesia-related complications. 
• Doctors are likely to suggest managing your BP and sugar level before the surgery for positive outcomes.
• Bring some loose cotton clothes to change into after the surgery
• Carry some soft sanitary pads to use after surgery for vaginal bleeding.

Recovery tips after D&C surgery for miscarriage?

Some tips for quicker recovery after the D&C surgery-

• Avoid smoking as it can potentially increase the risk of chest and wound infection during the recovery. Infection can delay the healing process.
• Avoid sex, tampons and douching as they can increase the risk of microbial infection into the uterus and can potentially cause infection.
• It is quite common to experience mild cramping and light bleeding for a few days, if you feel uncomfortable, then consult your doctor, he/she likely to suggest a pain reliever.

How to prevent miscarriage?

You can not prevent a miscarriage if it is caused by chromosomal abnormalities and hormonal disorders. However, you can adopt some lifestyle changes to increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy. 

• Eat a healthy diet with a good amount of folic acid and calcium. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects during the early stage of pregnancy. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. They provide vitamins and minerals as well as fibre which help in digestion. 
• Exercise regularly to boost your immunity and energy levels. It will also regulate your metabolism and improve your stamina. Regular exercise reduces the risk of pregnancy complications.
• Avoid smoking, as nicotine has an adverse effect on the nervous system of the mother. However, some studies suggest smoking during pregnancy can cause tissue damage in the fetus too.
• Go for regular prenatal checkups to reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
• Limit your caffeine intake. However, an excess amount of caffeine during pregnancy can constrict the blood vessels in the placenta and the uterus, which reduces the blood supply to the fetus and inhibits its growth.
• Discuss your medical history and all the medications you take to avoid any risks and complications during pregnancy.

What questions do I need to ask my gynaecologist before miscarriage treatment?

Before undergoing miscarriage treatment, it is very important to get aware of the treatment procedure and the risk & complications associated with the treatment. You should ask the following questions to your gynaecologist to understand the treatment procedure-

• What are the treatment options for miscarriage?
• What are the chances of successful future pregnancy?
• How can I prevent miscarriage in the future?
• Can miscarriage treatment affect my fertility?
• What is the recovery period after the miscarriage treatment?
• When can I plan the next pregnancy?
• How long do I bleed after a miscarriage?
• What should I avoid during a miscarriage?
• What will happen to my body after miscarriage treatment?
• What are the side effects of medication treatment for miscarriage?
• What precautions do I need to take after the surgical treatment of miscarriage?
• What things can cause a miscarriage in the first 8 weeks?