Repeated miscarriages
What is a miscarriage?
A miscarriage refers to the spontaneous loss of a fetus before the pregnancy reaches its 20th week. Miscarriages generally occur due to abnormal development of the fetus. According to statistics, between 10-20% of all known pregnancies end in miscarriage in Dubai.
What causes miscarriage?
Chromosomal abnormality
Chromosomal abnormality is the culprit of about 50% of miscarriages. Chromosomes are structures present within cells that contain genetic information. An abnormal number of chromosomes during fertilization leads to abnormal fetal growth. It should be noted that the risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases with age.
Other common causes and risk factors of miscarriage are as follows:
- Hormonal and uterine abnormalities
- Physical problems in the womb or cervix
- Severe malnutrition
- Medical conditions such as diabetes
- Weak immune system
- A previous miscarriage
What are the types of miscarriage?
A missed miscarriage, also known as spontaneous miscarriage, is when the fetus fails to survive in the womb, but the mother hasn’t had any physical symptoms, such as bleeding or pain.
A complete miscarriage is when all the pregnancy tissue has left the uterus. It may result in vaginal bleeding for several days.
Recurrent miscarriage means the loss of three or more pregnancies consequently. It is mostly caused due to genetic abnormalities and hormonal disorders.
A threatened miscarriage poses a threat to the pregnancy. In this condition, there is vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, and you may experience pelvic cramping. However, the cervix stays closed.
In an inevitable miscarriage, you suffer vaginal bleeding, strong stomach cramping, and your cervix begins to dilate.
What are the symptoms of miscarriage?
The most common symptoms of miscarriage are as follows:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Discharge of fluid or tissue from the vagina
- Cramping in your abdomen
- Pain in the back that ranges from mild to severe
- Decrease in pregnancy symptoms, such as breast tenderness and feeling of sickness
Treatment for miscarriage in Dubai
If a miscarriage has occurred, or experience any of the above mentioned symptoms, you should visit your doctor immediately.
Non-surgical treatment
Non-surgical treatment involves using medicines to help your uterus pass the pregnancy. However, non-surgical treatment can be considered only if the miscarriage occurs ten weeks before the pregnancy.
Surgical treatment
Surgery may be performed if the expecting mother is bleeding heavily or her uterus can’t pass the pregnancy. Surgery involves performing a dilation and evacuation (D and E), during which the pregnancy-related tissues are removed or suctioned out of the uterus. Surgery is recommended only if the miscarriage is beyond ten weeks gestation.
Pregnancies after miscarriage
Having a miscarriage doesn’t mean you have any fertility issues, and it is still possible to get pregnant after a miscarriage. At least 85% of women who have had miscarriages are able to have normal pregnancies and births. But If you’ve had repeated miscarriages, you should stop trying and seek medical help.
Dr. Amal Al Mulla is a renowned gynecologist and obstetrician in Dubai. She has a vast experience of over 20 years as a gynecologist and infertility specialist. So if you are planning to become pregnant or have had miscarriages in the past, reach out to Dr. Amal for her expert consultation and miscarriage treatment in Dubai.