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DESCRIPTION
A miscarriage, also known as a spontaneous abortion, is a premature termination of a pregnancy before the fetus can survive outside of the uterus, usually prior to 20 weeks gestation. It occurs in about 20 to 30 percent of first pregnancies and frequently occurs so early that the woman is unaware that she is pregnant.
A "missed spontaneous abortion" or a "missed miscarriage" is when the fetus dies, but is not passed from the body with the blood discharge. Instead it is reabsorbed back into the mother's body.
MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Intrauterine Fetal Demise (Stillborn)
FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Uterine cramps.
Vaginal bleeding from slight to heavy.
Many miscarriages are only "threatened," and the pregnancy continues to term. Symptoms may be the same for threatened miscarriages as for those in progress.
CAUSES
During the first trimester (first 12 weeks of pregnancy):
- An abnormal or defective fetus.
- Uterine abnormalities that prevent the fertilized egg from growing normally.
- Smoking, alcohol or drug abuse.
During the second trimester (13 to 28 weeks):
- Uterine abnormalities that cause detachment of the fetus and placenta.
- Severe stress (nutritional, psychological).
Anytime:
- Use of substances that harm the fetus (cocaine and other drugs of abuse, smoking).
- Infections, especially viral infections (rubella or influenza).
- Trauma or severe medical conditions (diabetes mellitus, hypertension).
RISK INCREASES WITH
Stress.
Smoking.
Alcohol and/or drug abuse.
Poor nutrition.
Illness that lowers immune system resistance.
Recent serious infection.
Medical history of endocrine diseases, such as diabetes mellitus or hypothyroidism.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
During pregnancy:
- Obtain regular medical checkups with your midwife or health care provider. Early prenatal care is important for the safety and well-being of both the mother and her baby.
- Eat normal, well-balanced diet. See Nutrition Information for more help with your prenatal diet.
- Do not drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes or use recreational drugs.
- Do not use any medications, including non-prescription drugs without medical advice. Always consult with your midwife or health care provider before using any medication, herbal remedy or nutritional supplement during pregnancy.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
With treatment, a miscarriage is not a life-threatening condition. It does not affect a woman's ability to carry a healthy baby to term in the future.
Feelings of loss and grief are common. Feelings of guilt may also be present. If these persist, seek professional psychological help.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Uterine infection, signaled by fever, chills and aching.
Hemorrhaging from other body parts.
"Incomplete" abortion, in which some placenta or fetal tissue remains in the uterus, or missed abortion, in which the fetus dies but remains in the uterus.
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
Ultrasound examination and laboratory blood studies may be needed for diagnosis.
For a threatened miscarriage, follow your midwife's or health care provider's orders. Bed rest at home is often enough to stabilize the pregnancy. Bleeding is occasionally severe requiring hospitalization and blood transfusion as indicated.
Following a miscarriage:
- Expect a small amount of vaginal bleeding or spotting for 8 to 10 days. Don't use tampons for 2 to 4 weeks.
- Wait through 2 or 3 normal menstrual cycles before attempting to become pregnant.
- Surgery ( D & C - dilation and curettage, or D & E - dilation and extraction) to remove any remaining tissue or a dead fetus may be needed.
- Psychotherapy or grief counseling for the patient and her partner my be helpful.
MEDICATION
For a threatened miscarriage: Medicine usually is not necessary. Do not take any medication without medical advice.
Oxytocin to control bleeding in some women.
Pain medication may be prescribed.
After a miscarriage, antibiotics may be prescribed to fight infection.
Blood transfusions for severe blood loss.
An Rh-negative female may be given RhoD (immune globulin) to prevent developing Rh Antibodies.
ACTIVITY
For a threatened miscarriage: Rest in bed until symptoms disappear. Avoid sexual intercourse until the outcome is known. See Bed Rest Links above.
After a miscarriage: Reduce activity and rest often during the next 48 hours.
DIET
For a threatened miscarriage: Drink fluids only, if bleeding and cramping are severe.
BENEFICIAL DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS TO PREVENT MISCARRIAGE
Raspberry Leaf helps strengthen the uterus and may be taken as a tea. Red Raspberry has long been established as a female herb. The leaf tea is used by pregnant women to help prevent complications and make delivery easier. It has also been known to reduce menstrual bleeding and relieve symptoms of diarrhea. In addition to preventing complications in pregnancy, reducing menstrual bleeding, and diarrhea, Red Raspberry is used to relax uterine and intestinal spasms. It is known to strengthen uterine walls, and promote healthy nails, bones, teeth and skin. Red Raspberry can diminish the effects of morning sickness, false labor pains, hot flashes, and menstrual cramps. Using Red Raspberry after childbirth helps decrease uterine swelling and reduces postpartum bleeding. Small children can drink Red Raspberry tea for vomiting, dysentery, and diarrhea. The warm tea also soothes sore throats, mouth ulcers, bleeding gums, and canker sores. Pour one cup of boiling water over 1 or 2 teaspoons of dried Red Raspberry leaf, steep for 10 minutes, and then sweeten to taste. Drink 2 to 3 cups daily while pregnant.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Red Raspberry Leaf, Bulk Organic Herbs
Herbal Remedies: Raspberry Leaf, Woman's Female Support, Yogi Tea, 16 Tea Bags
Herbal Remedies: Red Raspberry Tincture Supplement, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Red Raspberry Leaves, Nature's Way, 480 mg, 100 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Red Raspberry Tea, NOW Foods, 30 Tea Bags
Herbal Remedies: Red Raspberry Supplements & Products
False Unicorn helps strengthen the uterus. False Unicorn is an herbaceous perennial, native to the Mississippi area. Its leaves are from 2 to 8 inches long, spoon shaped, and wider at the top than at the base. The flowers are white and starry or greenish-white and can reach 2 feet or longer depending on whether they are male or female flowers. For centuries women have used False Unicorn for menstrual and uterine problems, and morning sickness. Native American women reportedly chewed the root to prevent miscarriages. False Unicorn should not be confused with another member of the lily family commonly known as "true unicorn root." They are different. False Unicorn contains hormone-like saponins which help make this herb a ovarian and uterine tonic. It also has an adaptogenic or balancing effect on sex hormones, helping to relieve many disorders of the reproductive tract, menstrual irregularities and premenstrual syndrome related to hormonal imbalance. And this herb has bitter properties that helps it act as a tonic on the liver and digestive tract. Many herbalists recommend False Unicorn for reducing menopausal symptoms, and treating ovarian cysts. It has also been used to normalize hormone levels following oral contraceptive use. This root balances sex hormones in males as well as females. It can also be used for endometriosis, ovarian cysts, menstrual irregularities and pain, premenstrual syndrome and prostate disorders. False Unicorn is used to treat venereal diseases, particularly gonorrhea. It is also used as a diuretic and to rid the intestinal tract of worms. This herb can also stimulate the appetite and relieve the nausea and vomiting that accompany pregnancy. False Unicorn comes in various forms and is an ingredient in many products. For using a decoction, take 1-2 teaspoonfuls of the root in 1 cup of boiling water. Drink 3 times a day. For using a tincture, take 2-4 ml, 3 times a day. If using False Unicorn for the "normalizing" effect on the female reproductive system in regulating the menstrual cycle, or promoting an absent cycle, note that it can take several months before there is a significant effect on the cycle. For other formulations read product label directions.
Shaman Shop: False Unicorn Root, C/S, Bulk Organic Herbs, 1 lb.
Shaman Shop: False Unicorn Root Powder, Bulk Organic Herbs, 1/4 lb.
Shaman Shop: False Unicorn Root, 90 VCaps
Herbal Remedies: False Unicorn Root Extract Herb Tincture, 2 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Miscarriage Tincture (Helps Prevent), 2 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: False Unicorn Supplements & Products
Wild Yam helps improve hormonal balance for maintaining pregnancy. Various species of Wild Yam grows throughout North and Central America, and Asia, and has been used to treat indigestion, coughs, morning sickness, gall bladder pain, menstrual cramps, joint pain, and nerve pain. The primary, but incorrect use of Wild Yam as a source of women's hormones is based on the misconception that Wild Yam contains progesterone and DHEA. Wild Yam contains chemicals that chemists can use only as a starting point to manufacture progesterone. This herb does not contain progesterone. Some Wild Yam products have progesterone in them, but it is a synthetic progesterone that has been added to the product. Do not discount the use of Wild Yam as it can still be used to relax muscle spasms, reduce inflammations, and promote perspiration. This herb can be used for menstrual cramps or pain, menopausal symptoms, rheumatic conditions, and gallbladder complaints. Wild Yam is also used to treat colic, gallbladder disorder, hypoglycemia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), kidney stones, neuralgia, and rheumatism. Wild Yam comes in various forms and is an ingredient in many products. Wild Yam Extract is used for a wide range of ailments including many female problems and to relieve the pain of child birth. This plant is useful as an anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, cholagogue, diaphoretic and vasodilator. It alleviates many of the symptoms of menopause and PMS such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and vaginal dryness. It is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, gall bladder complaints, spasmodic cramps, painful menstruation, and in small doses is especially helpful in treating the nausea of pregnant women. For best results, read and follow product label directions.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Wild Yam, Bulk Organic Herbs
Herbal Remedies: Wild Yam Extract Tincture, Herbal Remedies USA, 2 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Wild Yam Root, Certified, Nature's Way, 425 mg, 180 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Wild Yam Creme, Jason, 4 oz.
Herbal Remedies: Miscarriage Tincture (Helps Prevent), 2 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Wild Yam Supplements & Products
Prenatal Vitamin Supplements provide general nutrition, which is very important for fetal development and to support pregnancy.
Herbal Remedies: Prenatal Vitamins, Albion Iron, NOW Foods, 120 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Completia Prenatal Multi-Vitamin With DHA, Folic Acid & Iron, Nature's Way, 180 Tabs
Herbal Remedies: Prenatal Multi-Vitamin & Mineral, 100% Natural, Complete, Nature's Way, 180 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Prenatal & Postnatal Vitamin & Mineral Supplements & Products
Folic Acid helps prevent birth defects and supports pregnancy. Folic acid is necessary precursor for the manufacture of genetic material like RNA and DNA. Folic acid also assists in the growth and repair of tissues and in the conversion of fats and amino acids into other useful products in the body.
Herbal Remedies: Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 800 mcg, 100 Caps
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids strengthens blood vessels. Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids provides powerful antioxidant protection, strengthens collagen and maintains white blood cell function. Bioflavonoids provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems.
Herbal Remedies: Vitamin C Liquid, With Rose Hips & Bioflavonoids, Kosher, Natural Citrus Flavor, Dynamic Health, 1000 mg, 16 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Ester C With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 1000 mg, 90 Tabs
Herbal Remedies: Alive! 100% Whole Food Vitamin C Complex Powder, Nature's Way, 120 Grams
Herbal Remedies: Vitamin C-500 With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Vitamin C-1000 With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps
Herbal Remedies: Vitamin C Supplements & Products
Vitamin E helps balance hormones. Alpha-tocopherol is the most active form of vitamin E in humans, and is a powerful biological antioxidant. Vitamin E is a major antioxidant and the primary defense against lipid peroxidation. Antioxidants such as vitamin E act to protect your cells against the effects of free radicals and oxidative damage. Free radicals are potentially damaging by-products of the body's metabolism. Free radicals can cause cell damage that may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Herbal Remedies: Vitamin E-1000, D-Alpha-Tocopherols, NOW Foods, 100 Softgels
Herbal Remedies: Vitamin E-400, 100% Vegetarian, Nature's Way, 400 IU, 100 Liquid VCaps
Herbal Remedies: Vitamin E Oil, D-Alpha-Tocopherols, 100% Natural, NOW Foods, 32,000 IU, 1 oz.
This vitamin E oil may be used as a dietary supplement or applied to the skin for cosmetic or other purposes.
Herbal Remedies: Vitamin E Supplements & Products
HERBAL SUGGESTIONS TO PREVENT MISCARRIAGE
Black Haw and Crampbark are the two herbs most commonly used by European physicians, Native Americans and modern herbalists to calm the uterus.
Black Haw is part of the honeysuckle family. It is a deciduous spreading shrub with a reddish-brown bark that grows in the northern part of the United States, but in the South, it is a small tree. Since the early 1800s, women used a tea made from Back Haw bark to soothe menstrual pain. It was also thought to help prevent miscarriage and ease the pain that follows childbirth. When combined with false unicorn root, it works well in preventing miscarriage. This plant contains salicin, a pain reliever that acts like aspirin. Black Haw also has antispasmodic, analgesic, astringent, sedative, cardiac tonic, uterine and muscle relaxant, nervine, diuretic, and tonic properties. This plant is sometimes erroneously called cramp bark, and though Black Haw's effects are much stronger than those of cramp bark, the two are used alternately in treating various conditions. Black Haw comes in various forms and is an ingredient in many products. For making a tea with Black Haw bark, use 1 oz. of herb per one pint of freshly boiled distilled water. Steep for 10-15 minutes, and strain. Drink one cup 2-3 times a day. For other formulations and products it is best to read and follow product label directions.
Cramp Bark is commonly used in herbal medicine as a nerve sedative and anti-spasmodic in asthma and hysteria. It is also used to relieve muscle tension in the intestines, airways, uterus, and striated muscles in the limbs or back. It can be taken internally or applied externally for those conditions. Cramp Bark, as its name suggests, is used to treat conditions characterized by muscular cramps and spasms, particularly in the pelvic region, including menstrual cramps, bladder spasm, colic, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and spastic colon. It is said to protect against miscarriage and help with threatened miscarriage, relieve the symptoms of menopause. It is also taken to relieve tension headaches, muscle tension, anxiety, and arthritis. Although it has been used for centuries by Native Americans, and is still recommended by herbalists today, scientists need to catch up. Cramp Bark has also been effective in treating arthritis where joint weakness and pain have caused the muscles to become almost rigid. It has also been used in treating high blood pressure and other circulatory conditions. Cramp Bark comes in extract, tincture, and elixir forms. It is important to read label directions before use.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Black Haw, Bulk Organic Herbs
Shaman Shop: Black Haw Bark, 90 VCaps
Shaman Shop: Black Haw Bark, Wild, Cut & Sifted, 1 lb Bulk Herb
Shaman Shop: Black Haw Bark Powder, 1/4 lb Bulk Herb
Mountain Rose Herbs: Cramp Bark, Bulk Organic Herbs
Shaman Shop: Cramp Bark Powder, 90 VCaps
Shaman Shop: Cramp Bark, Cut & Sifted, 1 lb Bulk Herb
Shaman Shop: Cramp Bark Powder, 1/4 lb Bulk Herb
Herbal Remedies: Cramp Bark Extract Tincture, Herbal Remedies USA, 2 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Cramp Bark Supplements & Products
Red Raspberry Leaf has a long history of use in pregnancy for threatened miscarriage. Standard dosage: 2 capsules three times daily.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Red Raspberry Leaf, Bulk Organic Herbs
Herbal Remedies: Red Raspberry Supplements & Products
False unicorn is prized by herbalists for its adaptogenic effect on the ovaries (normalizes function).
Herbal Remedies: False Unicorn Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: False Unicorn Supplements & Products
Herbal Remedies: Miscarriage Tincture (Helps Prevent), 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Wild Yam (Dioscorea Villosa) may benefit those women who are threatening miscarriage due to stimulation to the adrenal glands as well as the antispasmodic effects of the herb.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Wild Yam, Bulk Organic Herbs
Herbal Remedies: Wild Yam Supplements & Products
MISCARRIAGE SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Supplements and products for miscarriage, the loss of a pregnancy during the first 20 weeks.
Blue Cohosh Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Blue Cohosh is used to regulate the menstrual flow and for treating suppressed menstruation.Blue Cohosh Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Blue Cohosh supplements are used to regulate the menstrual flow and for treating suppressed menstruation.CapsiCool, Cayenne Supplement, Nature's Way, 390 mg, 100 Caps
CapsiCool is a special cayenne supplement that provides the benefits of Cayenne Pepper without the burning feeling and discomfort in the stomach that otherwise may be experienced.Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 800 mcg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Folic Acid is 100% natural and contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives.Healthy Pregnancy, TCM Formula, Duzhong Yutai, 100% Natural, 60 Caps
Healthy Pregnancy, TCM Formula, Duzhong Yutai is made of cuscuta seed, amomum fruit, prepared rehmannia root, ginseng, mistletoe, donkey hide gelatin, Chinese cornbind (shou wu), mugwort leaf, morinda, atractylodes, codonopsis, deglued antler powder, wolfberry, dipsacus and eucommia bark.Manganese Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 30 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.
WaterOz Ionic Manganese is a pure liquid Manganese supplement. Manganese, also called the "brain mineral," is important in the utilization of all mental facilities/functions.Miscarriage Tincture (Helps Prevent), 2 fl. oz.
The Miscarriage Tincture was created to help prevent miscarriage.Natural Progesterone Cream: A Safe Alternative To Conventional Hormone Replacement Therapy, By C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D.
In this Keat's Good Health Guide, Dr. Norman Shealy answers all your questions about natural progesterone cream, a viable and safe alternative to synthetic hormone replacement therapy.Prenatal Multi-Vitamin & Mineral, 100% Natural, Complete, Nature's Way, 180 Caps
Nature's Way Woman's Prenatal Multivitamin and mineral supplement provides specially balanced prenatal vitamin and mineral potencies for pregnant women or postnatal lactating women.U O Clear (Ovarian Cyst & Fibroid Support), 500 mg, 60 Caps
The herbs work synergistically to strengthen the body's natural capability of female systems self-cleaning functions, especially for uterus and ovary.Vitamin C-1000 With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps
Nature's Way Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems.Wise Woman Herbal For The Childbearing Year, By Susun S. Weed, Janice Novet
This is a complete herbal pharmacopoeia for dealing with every problem that might arise before, during and after pregnancy and childbirth. Simple, safe, remedies for pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, newborns. Includes herbs for fertility and birth control.Herbal Remedies: Miscarriage Information
Herbal Remedies: Miscarriage Supplements & Products
AFTER A MISCARRIAGE
After a miscarriage: No special diet. However, if you have had significant bleeding, you may become anemic. You should follow a proper diet used to treat anemia.
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
Vaginal bleeding occurs during pregnancy.
Fever and chills occur during a threatened miscarriage or following a miscarriage.
Bleeding and cramps worsen during a threatened miscarriage or you pass tissue (save the tissue for medical examination).
Bleeding (other that vaginal) or unexplained bruising occurs after a miscarriage.
Infection develops while you are pregnant.
RELATED LINKS
Midwife: Checklist to Assist Grieving Parents
For Parents: Grieving For Parents - A Way To Heal - Loss of a Baby
Contains valuable information about Grief and the Grieving process along with the steps involved with healing after the death of a baby.
MORE RELATED LINKS
Dr. Cacciatore's Life and Death Blog
When a Child Dies
Changing the Way Our Culture Mourns
Dr. C's Research Page
Stillbirth Policy Advocacy
PREGNANCY RELATED LINKS
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Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
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