Losing a child is an unthinkable devastating event. Some families express the desire to know the facts on why this has happened. We have designed this pamphlet to give you general information about your loss, any further questions should be discussed with your nursing staff or doctors.
This pamphlet is about late miscarriages between 14 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. It does not cover losses which happen after 20 weeks since most states define those as stillbirths. And it does not cover miscarriages that happen before 14 weeks though some of this information may be appropriate for a miscarriage before 14 weeks as well.
HOW OFTEN DOES THIS HAPPEN?
Up to 50 percent of all pregnancies may end in miscarriage; the actual numbers are unknown because many losses occur before a woman realizes she is pregnant. It is estimated that a quarter of all miscarriages are after 14 weeks. This means that there are over 600,000 reported miscarriages nation wide.
FINDING A REASON
Most families want to know the reason for their miscarriage, and after a late miscarriage, most hospitals offer some investigations – although the investigation may not provide clear answers. If a baby is miscarried after 14 weeks, it is usually developed enough for an autopsy to be preformed. An autopsy can, but does not always, provide a reason for the miscarriage. It can also confirm the baby’s gender. It can be difficult to be certain at delivery if a very tiny baby is a boy or a girl. Most parents find comfort is discovering their babies gender.
CAUSES OF LATE MISCARRIAGE
Chromosome Problems
Examples of chromosome problems are Down’s Syndrome, Edwards’ Syndrome, and Turner’s Syndrome. It is possible to test the babies chromosomes from samples taken from the placenta or umbilical cord.
Genetic Problems
Chromosomes carry our genes. Sometimes abnormal genes can cause fatal conditions. An example of a genetic problem is cystic fibrosis. Genetic problems are most likely to cause first trimester miscarriage.
Structural Problems
Examples of structural problems are spinal bifida and congenital heart defects. These problems may be identified during pregnancy on an ultrasound scan, but sometimes they are only discovered after the baby is born.
Anatomical Problems
One in 25 women has an abnormally shaped uterus (womb). In most cases this does not increase your risk of miscarriage. Incompetent Cervix can cause a late miscarriage. Throughout pregnancy, the cervix (the neck to the uterus) should be tightly closed. With Incompetent Cervix the cervix is weak and it may open as the baby grows.
Infection
Infections can cause late miscarriage, either by infecting the baby or by infecting the amniotic fluid. Infections can come from many factors,some are from unknown causes though.
Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS)
Antiphospholipid antibodies are formed in the body after many different illnesses. Anybody who has had a variety of illnesses may have antiphospholipid antibodies in their bloodstream without knowing it. If these antibodies are found in a woman who has had repeated miscarriages, this is known as antiphospholipid syndrome.
AFTER YOUR MISCARRIAGE
Your Baby
Many couples wonder what happens to their baby after their loss. What happens will depend on the stage at which your baby died and the policy at your hospital. The hospital staff should take time to explain to you what the hospital offers and should also give you written information. You do not have to make a decision right away, nor does the decision have to be totally up to you. Discuss it with your family and friends and take your time.
Your Body
Following your miscarriage you are likely to have some bleeding and possibly period-like pain, and this may continue for several weeks. If the bleeding or pain increases or you have discharge that looks or smells offensive, or you are worried about any other symptoms, call your doctor immediately. You should have your first period approximately four weeks after your bleeding stops. Your breasts may naturally produce milk. For many this is distressing and may even feel cruel. It is important not to stimulate your nipples or express milk from your breasts; this will only cause more milk production. Wear a well-fitting supportive bra 24 hours a day for the first two weeks. For discomfort you can apply ice packs several times a day for 20 minutes at a time.
Your Mind
The “blues” are normal after a normal pregnancy and even more prevalent after a loss. This is totally normal and caused by changes in your body. If the blues doesn’t get better with time or you are having harmful thoughts please contact your doctor. There is support available online and through your hospital.
Related posts: