If you're expecting a baby, it's normal to feel a little scared if you occasionally experience a little vaginal bleeding or a little pain in your lower abdomen. "What if something happens to my baby?" You may be wondering, right? Often, these symptoms can indicate
a threatened miscarriage . But don't worry, let's talk about this in detail.
What is Threatened Miscarriage?
Simply put,
a threatened miscarriage is a small amount of vaginal bleeding during your pregnancy, especially
during the first 20 weeks , with or without abdominal pain. Most of the time, this bleeding is
minor , lasting a few days or weeks. The abdominal pain is also mild, but not
severe . This condition is most common
during the first trimester (week 13) . However, vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain during pregnancy do not always mean that you are going to have a miscarriage.
Many people have these symptoms and go on to have a healthy baby without any problems. These symptoms are
basically telling your doctor, "Hey, you need to be a little more careful with this pregnancy, and you need to be monitored a little more." So, if you think you're pregnant, or know you are, and you have vaginal bleeding, stomach pain, or cramping,
be sure to see your doctor. How common is this condition?
This
threat of miscarriage is actually quite common. About
15% to 20% of pregnancies, or about 15 to 20 out of every hundred pregnant women, may experience this within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Can the baby survive in such a dangerous situation?
Yes, absolutely!
Most of the time, the fetus survives and the pregnancy proceeds normally. One study found that of women who had vaginal bleeding during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy (that's about 25% of expectant mothers),
60% went on to have a healthy pregnancy to term (37 weeks) without any complications and gave birth to a healthy baby. So, don't be alarmed by a little bleeding. Take heart.
What are the symptoms of a threatened miscarriage?
Typically, one or both of these symptoms may be present in this condition:
- Vaginal bleeding : This is not just spotting, but can be a little more heavy bleeding. Sometimes there are small blood clots .It is possible for tissue-like material to come out, but the amount of blood loss is usually small.
- Stomach ache : This pain is usually not severe or severe. It is often felt as a dull, aching pain in the lower abdomen . However, sometimes this pain can gradually increase and become a constant, severe pain .
If you think you are pregnant, or know you are, and you have any of these symptoms,
please see your doctor immediately. There can be other causes for vaginal bleeding and lower abdominal pain. Therefore, it is best to seek medical advice to find out exactly what is going on.
What are the causes of this threatened miscarriage?
It's really hard to pinpoint just one reason for this. There are several factors that can contribute to a miscarriage. Some of them include:
- Chromosomal problems with the fetus: This is the most common cause. Simply put, if there is a genetic defect in the developing baby, the body will try to terminate the pregnancy .
- Having had a previous miscarriage .
- Using alcohol or drugs early in pregnancy, or being exposed to harmful chemicals .
- Obesity .
- Being over 40 years of age when getting pregnant.
- Smoking or vaping.
- Placenta problems.
- Trauma or injury to the body.
- Vaginal or uterine infections.
But remember, most of the time when something like this happens, it's not your fault. It happens for reasons beyond your control.
How long can a threatened miscarriage last?
This condition can last for a few days or even weeks. It varies from person to person. The symptoms and duration are not the same for everyone.
Do HCG levels decrease during a threatened miscarriage?
Sometimes yes.
`HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)`It is also known as the "pregnancy hormone". This `HCG` level gradually increases until about 11 weeks of pregnancy (sometimes doubling in a few days). Generally, if the `HCG` level decreases for a few days before 11 weeks, the chances of a miscarriage are high.
However, during a `Threatened Miscarriage`, the `HCG` level may remain stable. If your doctor thinks that your `HCG` level is low, he or she will check it again every two to three days. The important thing is that `HCG` level decreases after 11 weeks even in healthy pregnancies. Therefore,
it is important to talk to your doctor to understand your `HCG` level exactly. How do doctors diagnose this condition?
Your doctor will first ask you about your symptoms and discuss your medical history. In addition, they may do the following:
- A vaginal or pelvic ultrasound is performed to check for a heartbeat.
- A pelvic exam will be performed to check if your cervix is dilated (if you are about to have a miscarriage, your cervix will start to open).
- Blood tests are ordered to check the levels of hormones called `HCG` and `Progesterone` .
- Additional blood tests may be done to check for other infections or conditions .
- A blood test will also be done to check your blood type (Rh factor). If your blood type is negative, you may need to be given an immune globulin injection (RhoGAM® injection) .
A woman with
a ``Threatened Miscarriage`` usually has a closed cervix. The baby's heartbeat can also be seen on a scan. These are the signs that help distinguish this condition from a miscarriage.
How is this treated?
In most cases, when there is
a threat of miscarriage ,
watchful waiting is the only treatment. Your doctor may order additional tests to check your hormone levels. In fact, there is nothing a doctor can do to stop a miscarriage from happening. Some doctors recommend
progesterone (a hormone that helps you get pregnant). Low progesterone levels can be a sign of a miscarriage. This progesterone can be taken as an injection, as suppositories, or as tablets. Although there are varying opinions about its effectiveness, many studies have shown that giving progesterone to women with vaginal bleeding early in pregnancy increases the rate of healthy births. In the past
, bed rest was recommended. But
there is no evidence that bed rest will stop a miscarriage.However, your doctor may tell you
to ``take it easy'' until the risk of miscarriage passes. There are a few things you can do:
- Pelvic rest: Avoid sexual activity and do not insert anything into the vagina for at least a week after your symptoms have completely gone away.
- Rest: Get enough sleep and avoid strenuous activities. This can help you.
- Distractions: Keep your mind busy by doing something like talking to friends, reading books, or watching a movie.
What to do if you have a threatened miscarriage?
If your doctor tells you that you have this condition, ask them what you can do while you wait for the results. Although there is no treatment to stop a miscarriage, they will advise you on things you can do to take care of yourself at home.
It is very important to continue your prenatal care. So, don't miss your scheduled appointments and tests.
Can this situation be prevented?
Most of the time, there is nothing you or your doctor can do to prevent this
risk of ``Threatened Miscarriage`` . If your doctor thinks your pregnancy is at risk of miscarriage,
follow their advice. The things you can control are attending all your prenatal appointments and listening to what your doctor says. Here are some other things you can do to help have a healthy pregnancy:
- Avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, and using other drugs.
- Avoid exposure to chemicals, toxins, and other things that are harmful to the fetus.
- Take a prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits.
- Exercise for about 20-30 minutes a day (as per medical advice).
- If you have other diseases, infections, or chronic health conditions, get them treated and managed.
Should I be afraid of this?
It's normal to feel scared and anxious about
a threatened miscarriage . You may feel anxious and sad while waiting for test results or your next doctor's appointment. During this time,
take care of yourself as much as possible. Surround yourself with supportive people and try to stay as relaxed as possible.
Remember, many people have had healthy babies with this condition. However, if you unfortunately have a miscarriage, please understand that it is not your fault.Give yourself time to recover from the loss and grieve. Losing a pregnancy, no matter what, is a big loss.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have vaginal bleeding or stomach pain during pregnancy, see your doctor right away. They can examine you and do tests to check the health of the fetus.
What is the most important thing we should remember from this story?
Threatened miscarriage is a common complication that can occur in early pregnancy. It can cause vaginal bleeding and sometimes lower abdominal pain.
Most of the time, the pregnancy progresses without any problems and a healthy baby is born. However, sometimes the outcome is not so good and it can end in a miscarriage. During this uncertain time,
try to stay calm and seek support from family and friends. Remember, a miscarriage is not something you can control, nor is it something you did.
The most important thing is to follow your doctor's advice and take good care of yourself.
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