Miscarriage is a risk that can occur in every pregnancy. However, this condition can be prevented by detecting signs of miscarriage as early as possible. Thus, pregnant women can receive immediate treatment so that the risk of fetal death can be reduced.
Miscarriage or spontaneous abortion is the death of the fetus in the womb before the gestational age reaches 20 weeks. At least 10–20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage.
The main signs of a miscarriage are vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain. However, these two conditions do not specifically mark fetal death, so further investigation is necessary.
The condition in which the fetus and pregnancy can still be maintained even though signs of miscarriage have appeared is called 'threat of miscarriage' or imminent abortion.threatened abortion).
Some Signs of Miscarriage
The following are some of the signs of a miscarriage that pregnant women should be aware of and require medical attention:
1. Bleeding
Bleeding or spotting of blood is an early sign of miscarriage. But keep in mind that not all bleeding will end in miscarriage.
Light bleeding with pink or brown patches is usually nothing to worry about. Minor bleeding also generally lasts for 1-2 weeks.
However, if the discharge is bright red blood with a large volume or pink clots, it could be a sign of miscarriage. Call your doctor immediately if you experience bleeding, either light or heavy.
In certain cases, miscarriage can occur without bleeding. This miscarriage is called missed abortion.
2. Pain
Bleeding accompanied by pain should be watched out for as a sign of miscarriage. The body parts that feel pain are usually the pelvis, abdomen, and back. This pain is usually more intense than menstrual pain and can be continuous or occasional.
3. Decreased movement of the baby
Generally, a miscarriage occurs when the gestational age has not reached 20 weeks. However, late miscarriage (late miscarriage) can occur at 12–24 weeks of gestation.
One of the signs of late miscarriage is a decrease in the movement of the baby. Therefore, pregnant women need to be alert if the fetus does not move for several days and immediately consult a doctor for the condition of pregnancy.
4. Changes in pregnancy symptoms
Changes in pregnancy symptoms, such as no longer being nauseated or vomiting, can be signs of a miscarriage. However, keep in mind that these changes can also occur due to other factors, such as pregnancy hormones. Therefore, consult a doctor if pregnant women feel changes in pregnancy symptoms.
5. Discharge or tissue from the vagina
Fluid or tissue that comes out of the vagina can be a sign of a miscarriage. If pregnant women experience this condition, place the tissue in a clean container, then take it to the doctor for further analysis.
Bleeding in the early trimester is also not always related to miscarriage, because many pregnant women are still able to continue their pregnancy and give birth to healthy babies.
Causes and Risk Factors of Miscarriage
In general, there are several things that can increase the risk of miscarriage, including:
- Mother's age at the time of pregnancy is considered old or over 35 years old
- Previous miscarriage history
- Unhealthy lifestyle during pregnancy, such as smoking, consuming alcoholic beverages, or abusing drugs
- Exposure to radiation or toxins either at work or in the living environment
- The opening of the cervix that is too early without any signs of labor
- Weight that is too thin or too fat
- Anatomical abnormalities in the uterus
Most miscarriages occur in the first trimester and are generally caused by chromosomal disorders in the fetus. Chromosomal disorders prevent the fetus from developing normally, causing miscarriage. Chromosomal disorders are generally not derived from genetic parents.
Miscarriage in the first trimester can also be caused by disruption of the development of the placenta that connects the mother to the fetus.
Meanwhile, miscarriage in the second trimester is usually caused by the health condition of the pregnant woman. There are several medical conditions that can increase the risk of a miscarriage, including:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Lupus
- Thyroid disease
- Rubella
- Malaria
- Sexually transmitted disease
Miscarriage in the second trimester can also be caused by infection in the baby, consumption of certain drugs, food poisoning, or a weak cervix.
The signs of a miscarriage must be understood by every pregnant woman in order to get rid of various wrong views about the causes of miscarriage.
Keep in mind that miscarriage is not caused by sports, sexual intercourse, work (as long as you are not exposed to radiation or toxins), traveling by plane, spicy food, or stress.
If pregnant women experience the signs of miscarriage mentioned above, immediately check the condition of the pregnancy to the doctor so that the right examination and treatment can be carried out. Therefore, do not forget to always check the condition of pregnancy regularly in order to maintain the health of the mother and fetus.