Key Facts To Understand And Cope With A Miscarriage

Treatment

The primary goal of treating a miscarriage is to prevent maternal hemorrhaging and infection. The earlier the pregnancy, the more likely the body will expel the fetal tissue naturally without requiring medical intervention. This usually happens within two weeks after the miscarriage. If bleeding does not stop after two weeks, a doctor may prescribe medication to stimulate the uterus to release the rest of the tissue. Alternatively, if the body does not expel the tissue on its own, the most common medical procedure performed to stop bleeding and prevent infection is dilation and curettage (D&C). Couples should closely monitor bleeding at home as an increase in blood volume or the onset of chills and fever could indicate an infection.

Miscarriage Prevention

Because most miscarriages are due to chromosomal abnormalities, there is not much couples can do to avoid them. However, there are steps women can take to create a healthy lifestyle before trying to conceive and during pregnancy. Achieve a healthy body-mass index by exercising regularly and eating nutritious foods. In addition, manage stress effectively, take prenatal vitamins or folic acid for a few months before trying to conceive, and limit alcohol and drug use. Once pregnant, continue to maintain a healthy diet and fitness regime. This is not the time to let the body go and eat for two because women need only five hundred extra calories during pregnancy. However, avoid trying new activities that may place stress on the body.