PREGNANCY
PREGNANCY LOSS
What is early pregnancy loss?
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The majority of women experience early pregnancy loss at least once in their lives. Most often, this event occurs unexpectedly and suddenly within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. A missing heartbeat hits many pregnant women very unexpectedly and emotional support can be very helpful during this time. Bleeding or pain in the abdomen in early pregnancy can be an indication of a miscarriage, but can also have other causes and therefore does not always mean that the pregnancy is at risk.
Sometimes a miscarriage is detected during a routine examination without any external signs. If the body does not begin to terminate the pregnancy itself in the event of early pregnancy loss, this is referred to in technical jargon as a miscarriage (missed abortion). There are different ways of proceeding in this case.
The body often begins to terminate the pregnancy through spontaneous bleeding. This can result in abdominal cramps of varying intensity. This bleeding and pain usually lasts 2-4 hours.
Julie Fritsch / Photo: Paul Schraub
What are the options?
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If a miscarriage is detected, there is usually no acute need for action. You can take your time with all possible suggestions for measures and think about them first. There is no acute danger to you or your body (including the risk of infection) if you first take your time and weigh up the options on offer. It is important that you know that it is up to you to decide how to proceed.
At the Wait and seen Procedure waiting until the body itself begins the small birth. There is also the option of medicinal to speed up the process. However, it is recommended that someone close to you is available. In some cases, a so-called Curettage is recommended. This is a procedure in which the pregnancy tissue is removed under general anaesthetic with the help of instruments. It is performed by gynaecologists and, like any medical procedure, can involve risks.
You can take your time to weigh up what is the best option for you and give your body the time it needs, which can also be beneficial for subsequent pregnancies.
What support options are there for you?
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If your pregnancy doesn't go as planned, a midwife can be there for you with information, advice and support so that you can go through the process at your own pace. Herbal remedies or acupuncture can also help. We will support you in the event of early pregnancy loss, even at home.
In the vast majority of cases, there is no rush or need for immediate action in the event of pregnancy loss. All women are entitled to midwife assistance during and after pregnancy loss. Please contact us at this email address. We will try to get back to you as soon as possible: schwangerschaftsverlust@geburtundgesundheit.hamburg
or Lena Seidensticker 0172/4963698
If the bleeding seems too heavy or persistent and you are worried, or if you develop a fever, please go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Julie Fritsch / Photo: Paul Schraub