Miscarriage

About 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage, and this number may be higher since many women miscarry early in their pregnancies without realizing it. In Beverly Hills, California, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist Lia LaBrant, MD, FACOG, optimizes your fertility by reducing the risk of a miscarriage and other pregnancy complications. Schedule an appointment by calling the office or booking a visit online today.

What is a miscarriage?

A miscarriage is the sudden loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week of gestation. It’s common, often occurring because an unborn baby isn’t developing properly. While adopting healthy habits might reduce the risk of pregnancy complications, most miscarriages are beyond the mother’s control.

Though difficult, knowing the signs of a miscarriage and other pregnancy complications is important.

What are the signs of a miscarriage?

Symptoms of a miscarriage include:

• Pelvic pain or cramping
• Fast heartbeat
• Vaginal bleeding
• Passing tissue or fluid through your vagina
• Light bleeding that becomes heavy
• Passing blood clots 
• Lower backache
• Decrease in pregnancy symptoms

The majority of miscarriages happen during the first trimester (within the first 13 weeks). See Dr. LaBrant at the first sign of a pregnancy complication. 

If you pass tissue, place it in a container and bring it with you to your appointment with Dr. LaBrant. A lab can examine the tissue to confirm a miscarriage.

What are the risk factors for a miscarriage?

The following are risk factors for a miscarriage:

• Chromosomal abnormalities
• Hormonal imbalance
• Certain diseases
• Improper implantation
• Being over 35
• Early opening of the cervix
• Infections
• Uterine abnormalities
• Poorly controlled diabetes
• Severe kidney disease
• Congenital heart disease
• Thyroid disease
• Some medications
• Malnutrition
• Radiation
• Previous miscarriage
• Genetics
• Being underweight or overweight
• Lifestyle habits

Drinking alcohol, using recreational drugs, consuming high amounts of caffeine, and smoking increase the chance of a miscarriage. However, most miscarriages are not the result of something a pregnant woman did and can’t be helped.

How is a miscarriage diagnosed and treated?

Dr. LaBrant diagnoses a miscarriage by reviewing your medical history and symptoms, completing a physical exam, ordering lab work, and having you undergo an ultrasound and/or chromosomal testing. If you pass tissue, she can send it to a lab for analysis.  

If you’ve completely passed your fetus, you might not need additional treatment. However, Dr. LaBrant can remove any remaining tissue if necessary or provide medication that helps your body expel fetal tissue.

Counseling can help you grieve your loss.  

How can I reduce the risk of a miscarriage?

Nearly 90% of women who have miscarriages go on to have successful pregnancies and births. Adopting healthy habits, like staying active, getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, minimizing stress, and taking a prenatal vitamin, is helpful. 

It’s also important to avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, consuming excessive caffeine, doing drugs, and taking certain medications.

Learn more about your miscarriage risks or seek medical care for a possible miscarriage with Lia LaBrant, MD, by calling her office or booking online today.