Spontaneous complete miscarriage is when a non-viable pregnancy is lost with variable amounts of bleeding and pain; women often describe this as similar to a very heavy and painful period. At the end of the process, the uterus is empty and bleeding gradually stops. Diagnosis is usually made by settling of symptoms, but some women choose to confirm with an ultrasound scan.

Spontaneous incomplete miscarriage is when the spontaneous process of expulsion of a non-viable pregnancy starts with pain and bleeding, but remains incomplete with continuing bleeding and lower abdominal cramps. This may require surgical management to get control over the bleeding.

Missed miscarriage is when the pregnancy has stopped growing in the early weeks, but there is no bleeding or only spotting. It is also known variably as a blighted ovum or an anembryonic pregnancy. Often, the woman is unaware that the pregnancy is not developing; sometimes she may notice regression of pregnancy symptoms. Diagnosis of missed miscarriage is by ultrasound scan.

TREATMENT

Management options include expectant, medical and surgical, and we offer counselling and discussion to identify the most appropriate treatment in their individual circumstances.

In a spontaneous complete miscarriage, usually no further action is necessary. Where bleeding persists and miscarriage is incomplete, surgical management becomes necessary. This is a minor surgical procedure and is done as a day case under general anaesthesia. At Women’s Health Care Ltd., we ensure an early appointment usually with a scan and quick access to surgical management of miscarriage.

In a missed miscarriage, especially when detected early in pregnancy, expectant management with the hope the woman will spontaneously miscarry is an option. However, most women tend to prefer surgical management of their missed miscarriage.