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| Threatened Miscarriage | A threatened miscarriage (threatened abortion) happens when the woman undergoes vaginal bleeding or spotting previous to the 20th week of pregnancy. This is an extremely emotional time for a pregnant woman. The fear of losing a pregnancy is one of the most difficult sides to treat and care for in a threatened miscarriage.
Threatened Miscarriage Signs and Symptoms
The most common sign of a threatened miscarriage is a vaginal bleeding or spotting. Other possible signs and symptoms are mild abdominal cramping, and mild pain or pressure in the lower back or pelvis. In a threatened miscarriage the cervical os (cervical opening) is closed. The importance of the closed cervical os is this means that the body is not tried to expel the products of conception at that time.
Threatened Miscarriage Causes
Several different causes for a threatened miscarriage exist. Placental abnormalities particularly placenta previa can be a cause for a threatened miscarriage. In placenta previa the placenta is placed over the cervix os and causes vaginal bleeding typically in the second and third trimester. Usually the placenta over time will grow and set off of the cervix. On the other hand, if that does not happen then a C-section is required at the time of delivery of the baby.
There are some more causes of a threatened miscarriage; they include infection (ie. Chlamydia, Cytomegalovirus, Genital herpes, Syphilis, Toxoplasmosis, and Rubella), uterine fibroids, sexual intercourse (extremely common since the cervix is extremely sensitive during pregnancy).
Threatened Miscarriage Treatment
A threatened miscarriage typically does not need specific medical interference. The treatment for a threatened miscarriage will include an indepth history, vaginal exam to evaluate the cervical os, blood work to establish the serum hCG level, and an ultrasound to make sure that the placenta and fetus appear normal. Pelvic rest (placing nothing into the vagina) is typically recommended.
If an incompetent cervix is recognized as the cause of a threatened miscarriage it will be treated with a cerclage. An incompetent cervix will be diagnosed by the vaginal exam. The cervical os will be slightly open or beginning to dilate. Some physicians will do a vaginal ultrasound to evaluate the extent of the cervix as well. To treat this condition a cerclage is located into the cervix to avoid further dilatation (opening).
The most hard part of a threatened miscarriage is the emotional aspect and coping with the threat of miscarriage.
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