Incomplete Miscarriage
Alternate Names : Incomplete Abortion
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Not all miscarriages can be prevented. But taking certain actions can
help. Several months before pregnancy and during the entire pregnancy, a woman
should follow these guidelines:
Eat a diet rich in folic acid
and take multivitamins. This helps prevent birth defects called
neural tube defects.
It also helps a woman lay down a foundation of good nutrition.
Stop smoking.
Avoid all medicines unless recommended by the doctor. This includes over-the-counter medicines, prescriptions, and
herbal remedies.
Avoid alcohol and
caffeine.
Stay away from pesticides and
chemical solvents, such as paint thinners.
Maintain good control of diseases such as diabetes
and hypothyroidism.
Report any symptoms of sexually transmitted disease
to the doctor.
Notify the doctor of any other risk factors. This includes
PTSD,
polycystic ovary syndrome,
or cervical incompetence.
He or she can then help minimize the risk factor.
If a woman has had infertility tests for imbalanced hormones, the doctor
may screen her for first trimester
hormone problems that could cause miscarriage. If a problem is found,
hormones can be prescribed.
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
The long-term effects of an incomplete miscarriage vary. There are many
myths about what causes miscarriage. A woman may feel anxiety, fear, and guilt if
she believes she has "hurt her baby" by lifting heavy furniture, exercising too much,
having sex, or doing something else to cause the miscarriage. A healthy
pregnancy cannot
be harmed by any of these activities. A woman should discuss feelings or worries
such as these with her doctor.
Delaying diagnosis and treatment of an incomplete miscarriage may
increase a woman's risk of the following:
bleeding
developing Rh sensitization,
which is a blood incompatibility that can harm a later pregnancy
infection
infertility from
damage to the fallopian tubes
What are the risks to others?
An incomplete miscarriage is not catching and poses no risk to
others.
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