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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Incomplete Miscarriage: Prevention & Expectations

Incomplete Miscarriage

Alternate Names : Incomplete Abortion

Incomplete Miscarriage | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Attribution


What can be done to prevent the condition?

Not all miscarriages can be prevented. But taking certain actions can help. Several months before pregnancy and during the entire pregnancy, a woman should follow these guidelines:

  • Eat a diet rich in folic acid and take multivitamins. This helps prevent birth defects called neural tube defects. It also helps a woman lay down a foundation of good nutrition.
  • Stop smoking.
  • Avoid all medicines unless recommended by the doctor. This includes over-the-counter medicines, prescriptions, and herbal remedies.
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
  • Stay away from pesticides and chemical solvents, such as paint thinners.
  • Maintain good control of diseases such as diabetes and hypothyroidism.
  • Report any symptoms of sexually transmitted disease to the doctor
  • .
  • Notify the doctor of any other risk factors. This includes PTSD, polycystic ovary syndrome, or cervical incompetence. He or she can then help minimize the risk factor.
  • If a woman has had infertility tests for imbalanced hormones, the doctor may screen her for first trimester hormone problems that could cause miscarriage. If a problem is found, hormones can be prescribed.

    What are the long-term effects of the condition?

    The long-term effects of an incomplete miscarriage vary. There are many myths about what causes miscarriage. A woman may feel anxiety, fear, and guilt if she believes she has "hurt her baby" by lifting heavy furniture, exercising too much, having sex, or doing something else to cause the miscarriage. A healthy pregnancy cannot be harmed by any of these activities. A woman should discuss feelings or worries such as these with her doctor.

    Delaying diagnosis and treatment of an incomplete miscarriage may increase a woman's risk of the following:

  • bleeding
  • developing Rh sensitization, which is a blood incompatibility that can harm a later pregnancy
  • infection
  • infertility from damage to the fallopian tubes
  • What are the risks to others?

    An incomplete miscarriage is not catching and poses no risk to others.


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    Incomplete Miscarriage: Diagnosis & Tests

     

    Incomplete Miscarriage: Treatment & Monitoring

    Author: Eva Martin, MD
    Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
    Date Reviewed: 07/24/01









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    Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006