- Abnormal Smear
- Abnormalities of the Uterus
- Abnormalities of the Vagina
- Adenomyosis
- Amenorrhea
- Atrophic Vaginitis
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Barrier Contraception
- Bartholins Cysts
- Caesarean Section
- Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Screening
- Childbirth
- Chlamydia
- Clitoral Hoodectomy
- Colposcopy
- Colposcopy
- Contraceptive Pill
- Dysmenorrhoea
- Dyspareunia
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Endometrial Hyperplasia
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Gonorrhoea
- Heavy Periods
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Hymenoplasty
- Hysterectomy
- Incontinence
- Incontinence
- Infertility
- Intrauterine Devices
- Labial Reduction
- Loss Of Libido
- Menorrhagia
- Menstrual Disorders
- Miscarriage
- Natural Family Planning
- Oligomenorrhoea
- Ovarian Cancer
- Ovarian Cysts
- Pelvic Floor Exercises
- Pelvic Floor Restoration
- Perineoplasty
- Polycystic Ovaries
- Polymenorrhoea
- Post-Coital Bleeding
- Pregnancy Scanning
- Premature Menopause
- Progesterone Contraceptive Pill
- Pruritus Vulva
- Sterilisation
- Syphilis
- The Wart Virus
- Thrush
- Treatment for CIN
- Uterine Cancer
- Uterine Prolapse
- Vaginal Cancer
- Vaginal Cysts
- Vaginal Discharge
- Vaginal Infections
- Vaginal Prolapse
- Vaginal Tightening
- Vulva Cancer
- Vulval Anatomy
- Vulval Dystrophy
- Vulvodynia
- Well Women Checks
Miscarriage
A miscarriage is when certain factors cause a pregnancy to end in its early stages. This happens to many women, and can cause a great deal of distress. It mostly happens because of problems with the sperm and egg, and how they develop together. Steps can be taken to decrease the chances of a miscarriage occurring, but it is important to be familiar with the symptoms of a miscarriage if it is to happen.
Many women will not experience any symptoms if they have a miscarriage, and the condition will only make itself known when the pregnant woman goes in for a scan and the results show what has happened. Other women will experience symptoms that suggest a miscarriage. The most common symptoms are pain or discomfort in the back and pelvic region, and blood coming from the vagina. Any woman experiencing these symptoms during the early stages of a pregnancy should consult their GP or gynaecologist as soon as possible to discuss the possibility that they have had a miscarriage.
Older women are more likely to have miscarriages, as are women suffering from severe infections or illnesses. There are a number of similar factors that can increase the chances of experiencing a miscarriage, such as stress levels, excessive alcohol intake and smoking. Many miscarriages will occur for reasons that are outside of the control of the pregnant woman. There may have been complications during fertilisation, or the genetic material may not develop correctly. All of these factors can contribute towards the possibility of a miscarriage. It is important that pregnant women avoid alcohol and cigarettes, and also change their lifestyles to decrease stress levels and other factors. But even women who lead normal, healthy lives may have miscarriages for reasons outside of their control.
Any woman who thinks she may be experiencing a miscarriage, or who is suffering from the aforementioned symptoms, should seek advice as soon as possible. Scans and blood tests can be performed to determine whether there has been a miscarriage or not. A missed miscarriage refers to the condition where a miscarriage has occurred but has not been noticed. In this instance, blood clots may be present inside the womb, which must be surgically removed to prevent infection. Some women may experience bleeding, but if the cervix remains closed then the pregnancy will often continue normally. A specialist can advise how to proceed in different circumstances.