Miscarriage
Every miscarriage is different, just as every pregnancy is different. Some miscarriages happen quickly and spontaneously with no prior warning, wheras other women may have signs or symptoms that something is not right for many weeks before a miscarriage is finally confirmed. Either way, it is unpredictable how the loss of a pregnancy may progress, or when. Miscarriage is very common, clinicians believe 1 in every 4 pregnancies ends in the first few weeks. Despite how common it is, the vast majority of miscarriages have no clear reason why they have happened.
Some miscarriages happen naturally with no need for intervention, however some fail to progress, as in the case of missed miscarriage. If you are in this positition, your clinic will discuss various management options which are open to you, should you wish.
Medical management
A medical management involves taking medication to encourage the pregnancy to pass. This usually takes the form of an oral tablet, followed a couple of days later with some vaginal pessaries, usually administered in hospital.
Surgical management
A surgical management usually involves a light general anaesthetic whilst the pregnancy is removed via the vagina. It is a very quick operation which is usually done as a day procedure although a few hospitals offer a local anaesthetic procedure.
It can be very difficult to cope with a miscarriage emotionally, as well as physically. In addition to your own Health Care Providers, there are a number of brilliant support organisations who publish a wealth of information about pregnancy loss, and also offer emotional support.