Navigating the Uncertainty: Coping with a Threatened Miscarriage

Threatened Miscarriage - What Every Expectant Parent Should Know

A threatened miscarriage (threatened abortion) outlines a pregnancy that could possibly end in miscarriage due to mild vaginal bleeding with or without abdominal pain or cramping. The bleeding tends to stay light and cramping remains mild, sometimes lasting several days or weeks. Threatened miscarriages happen in the first half (up to 20 weeks) of pregnancy, but most commonly in the first trimester (13 weeks) of pregnancy.¹

Can a foetus survive a threatened miscarriage?¹

Yes, many fetuses survive and the pregnancy continues. It was observed that 25% of pregnant women that had some vaginal bleeding in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, 60% of them continued with the pregnancy to term (37 weeks).

What causes a threatened miscarriage?¹

There isn’t one cause of a threatened miscarriage. Some factors that play a role in a person experiencing a miscarriage consists of:

• Chromosomal problems with the fetus
• Previously having a miscarriage
• Alcohol or drug use or exposure to chemicals early in the pregnancy
• Having obesity
• Being older than 40 during pregnancy
• Smoking cigarettes or vaping
• Problems with the placenta
• Trauma or injury
• Vaginal or uterine Infections

What are the risk factors?²

Things that may increase a person's risk include:

• Infection
• Trauma
• Some medicines
• Older age

Treatment for threatened miscarriage²

For many people, no treatment is needed. If required, treatment may consist of:

• Medicine to treat some causes. This may include progesterone, a hormone that supports a pregnancy.
• Rho immune globulin for mothers with Rh-negative blood. This can prevent the body from making antibodies against the foetus' blood.

6 Tips to Prevent a Threatened Miscarriage¹

Avoiding drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes

1

Avoiding exposure to chemicals, toxins or other substances known to harm a fetus.

2

Taking a prenatal vitamin containing folic acid

3

Eating a healthy diet full of vegetables and fruits

4

Exercising around 20 to 30 minutes per day

5

Getting treatment for or managing any diseases, infections, or chronic health conditions

6