Obstetric Care: 3 Miscarriage Treatment Approaches
Miscarriage is defined as a loss that occurs at less than 20 weeks of pregnancy. Unfortunately, miscarriages are relatively common, but when you experience one, their frequency of occurrence does nothing to bring you comfort. It's a devastating experience, but in the midst of your grief, you will have to discuss how the miscarriage will be handled with your obstetrician. There are three treatment approaches for miscarriage, and your obstetrician will recommend an approach based on how far along in the pregnancy you were and whether you have any health issues that could be impacted by a specific approach. Here's an overview of the three treatment approaches for miscarriage:
Natural Progression
If a miscarriage occurs in early pregnancy, there is the option to allow the uterus to empty naturally. This can take a few weeks to occur, and in that time you will have access to your obstetrician and should contact them if you have any signs of infection, such as a high temperature or severe cramping and abdominal pain. The natural progression approach allows you to remain in the comfort of your own home, and you will likely bleed for a few weeks after the uterus empties. You will then have an appointment with your obstetrician to have a gynaecological check-up and an ultrasound scan to confirm the miscarriage is complete.
Medication
Your obstetrician can prescribe you medication to speed up the emptying of the uterus. The medication is either in the form of a pill or a vaginal pessary and works by breaking up the lining of the uterus. You can take the medication at home and the miscarriage should be complete within a day or two. As with the natural progression approach, you will have to have an ultrasound to confirm no fetal tissue is left behind in the uterus, as this can lead to an infection developing.
Dilation And Curettage
Dilation and curettage is a surgical procedure that's carried out under general anaesthetic and is generally the recommended approach in later stage miscarriages. Your obstetrician will dilate your cervix with a speculum, which is the instrument used during a pap smear. Once the cervix has been sufficiently stretched, your doctor will insert a suction tube into the uterus to remove the fetal tissue. You may have some mild pain and cramping after the procedure, but you can usually go home the same day.
If you're facing decisions about how to bring your miscarriage to a physical end and ensure there's no fetal tissue remaining in your uterus, discuss your feelings and your wishes with your obstetrician. They are there to support you during this tremendously difficult time, and they can also signpost you to sources of emotional support within your community.
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