Threatened Miscarriage

You may experience some bleeding and cramping, but the cervix remains closed. 50% of women who have this experience go on to have full term babies.

Incomplete Miscarriage

You will have experienced bleeding and severe cramping. The cervix is dilated and the membranes have ruptured. There may be parts of the placenta or foetus remaining in the uterus. This can be a risk for infection and could affect the chance of future pregnancies. You may be advised to undergo a D&C (Dilatation and Curettage). This usually requires hospitalization with local or general anaesthetic. During the procedure the cervix will be dilated and the remaining tissue and blood will be removed. This is usually a very short. You may be asked to take antibiotics for a few days afterwards. There is no specific after care, except rest and watching for any signs of infection.

Inevitable Miscarriage

You have symptoms of bleeding and cramping, the cervix is open and you will probably miscarry. This may require a similar procedure to the incomplete.

Complete or Natural Miscarriage

You will experience bleeding and severe cramps. You may have noticed the bleeding has contained large clots. The cervix is open and the whole pregnancy has been lost. This usually occurs within the first 12 weeks of the pregnancy. The bleeding and cramping normally subsides soon after the miscarriage. This can be confirmed via ultrasound and you may or may not require a D&C.

Missed Miscarriage

Upon ultrasound there is no foetal heartbeat and the foetus has died. The women will have no symptoms at that time of miscarriage, i.e. no bleeding or cramping. You may be advised to undergo a D&C or go home and miscarry naturally. It is not know why this occurs.

Recurrent Miscarriage (RPL)

This is when a woman has experienced 3 or more miscarriages in the first trimester of pregnancy, which are not necessarily consecutive. RPL can happen later than the first 12 weeks. Sometimes the cause can be discovered, but not always. The biggest issue can be the effect on the woman and her family. Psychologically this can be a very tough situation to deal with. Take a look at the Walk With Jude Programme.