Healthopedia.com - Your Health
Encyclopedia

Set Homepage Email Page Favorites      

 
  Home
  Health Centers
  Medical Encyclopedia
  Drugs & Medications
  Diseases & Conditions 
  Medical Symptoms
  Medical Tests & Exams
  Surgery & Procedures 
  Injuries & Wounds
  Diet & Nutrition
  Special Topics
  Pictures & Images      


Google
 
Web Healthopedia.com

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

Incomplete Miscarriage

Alternate Names : Incomplete Abortion

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


What are the treatments for the condition?

The treatments that may be used for an incomplete miscarriage include the following:

  • dilatation and curettage, also called D & C, which is a procedure to remove any fetal tissue that remains in the womb following the miscarriage
  • antibiotics to prevent infection
  • medicines to help the womb contract so that bleeding subsides
  • Rh immune globulin, if the mother's blood is Rh-negative. Otherwise, Rh sensitivity could affect later pregnancies and cause blood incompatibilities between the mother and fetus.
  • What are the side effects of the treatments?

    A D & C may cause bleeding, infection, and allergic reaction to anesthesia. Antibiotics and medicines to help the womb contract may cause rash, upset stomach, abdominal cramps, and allergic reaction.

    What happens after treatment for the condition?

    Within hours of having a D & C, a woman is usually sent home to get better. She should rest in bed for 1 to 2 days. A woman should contact her doctor if she has any of these symptoms:

  • a fever
  • cramps that get worse or pain that lasts
  • continued heavy bleeding
  • any other new or worsening symptoms
  • Birth control should be used if the woman does not wish to get pregnant again. If a future pregnancy is desired, a couple can try to conceive again after 2 to 3 months. They have an 85% chance of a successful, full-term pregnancy after 1 year.

    How is the condition monitored?

    A woman's doctor may do weekly blood tests to follow the HCG level until it is nearly zero. This ensures that the pregnancy has ended. Sometimes, tests are done on the fetal tissue to learn about its genetic makeup.

    If a woman has had several miscarriages, her doctor may recommend a complete evaluation for infertility.


    Previous section

     

    Next section

    Incomplete Miscarriage: Prevention & Expectations

     

    Incomplete Miscarriage: Attribution

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









    Content provided by The Patient Marketing Group, Inc.

    Copyright © 2009 Healthopedia.com All Rights reserved.
    About Us | Help/FAQ | Privacy Policy | Editorial Policy | Advertising Policy | Accessibility | Terms of Use
    Contact Us | Link to Us

    HONcode accreditation seal.

    We comply with the HONcode standard for health trust worthy information: verify here.


    The information provided herein is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. The information should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call your local emergency number for all medical emergencies. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
    Page Last Updated: 6th April, 2009