The spontaneous loss of pregnancy before the 24th week is referred to as an early pregnancy loss. It is also known as a miscarriage or spontaneous abortion. Most fertilised eggs are spontaneously aborted even before you know you are pregnant. The risks of miscarriage reduce after your baby’s heart beat is detected.
The majority of spontaneous abortions occur during the first three months of pregnancy (first trimester) because of the incompletely developed organ systems. Most spontaneous abortions occur due to chromosomal abnormalities and are associated with increasing age when pregnant from 30 years onwards. Some of the common factors that could lead to spontaneous abortion include smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, exposure to toxins, infection, hormone problems, obesity, immune and physical reproductive organ problems, and certain diseases, such as uncontrolled diabetes.
The symptoms of spontaneous abortion include vaginal bleeding, cramps or abdominal pain, and fluid or tissue coming from your vagina. When you present with these symptoms, your doctor may perform a pelvic examination and ultrasound scan to detect spontaneous abortion.
Spontaneous abortion often cannot be prevented, and the pregnancy tissue usually leaves the body along with vaginal bleeding. When this does not happen, you will be monitored. The tissue is removed from the uterus with surgery or medication. Your normal menstrual flow starts in 4 to 6 weeks.
