The main causes of miscarriage - defined as losing a baby before 28 weeks - are foetal abnormality, structural problems in the uterus, cervical incompetence, hormone imbalances, and falls; however, miscarriage as the result of a fall is rare - the baby is well protected inside the womb. Losing a baby after 28 weeks is, technically speaking, a stillbirth if the baby is dead; a premature baby is a live baby born after 28 weeks but before term.
A miscarriage is inevitable if the foetus dies in the womb; this is technically a missed miscarriage if there are no symptoms - and Morning Sickness and fullness in the breasts disappear and at your next check-up your medical doctor will find that your uterus has not increased in size. Usually, however, there are obvious signs - discharge of blood and solid matter from the vagina - and crampy pains in the lower abdomen and back; if part of the foetus is retained in the uterus - this is an incomplete miscarriage - pain and bleeding may persist for several days. Scanty brown or bloody discharge at around the time when periods are due is not uncommon; this is a threatened miscarriage, but in most cases the baby is not lost and the pregnancy proceeds normally. For some women treatments to thin the blood, such as heparin and aspirin, may help. These should, of course, be taken only under medical supervision.
Any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is potentially serious, so best course is to consult your doctor if there is no improvement in 12 hours. If bleeding is associated with abdominal pain, consult your doctor if there is no improvement in 2 hours and give one of the remedies listed under Ectopic Pregnancy. If you pass any solid matter, keep it for the doctor to see. In the meantime, rest. Since it is usually necessary to remove the remains of the foetus and placenta from the uterus under general anaesthetic in order to prevent infection and anaemia, don't eat or drink while waiting to see your medical doctor. Have constitutional homeopathic treatment afterwards.
Specific remedies to be taken every hour for up to 10 doses while waiting to see your medical doctor
- Bleeding and pain after a blow, a fall, or a particularly violent movement Arnica 30c
- Feeling feverish, restless, thirsty, and very worried, dry skin Aconite 30c
- Steady loss of bright red blood, cramping pains in abdomen, weakness, nausea Ipecac 30c
- Appearance of dark, coagulated blood towards end of third month or at times when periods would normally occur, tearing pain between lower back and vagina, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea Sabina 30c
- Face hot and dry, distended abdomen, bearing down sensation in vagina Belladonna 30c
- Feeling very nervous and agitated, unable to sleep, vulva and vagina extremely sensitive Coffea 30c
- Intermittent bleeding which is more profuse each time it occurs, blood dark and coagulated, cramping pains Pulsatilla 30c
- Profuse discharge of thick, blackish blood, feeling weak, exhausted, and afraid of dying Secale 30c
- Missed miscarriage, no symptoms Sepia 30c followed by Coffea 30c
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