Patient Information - Miscarriage

Miscarriage

A miscarriage is a common event. It is an experience, however, that affects each woman and her partner differently. This leaflet is intended to help answer some of the questions women ask after they miscarry. If you need additional information, or more specific information, please ask the doctor or nurse looking after you.

How common is a spontaneous miscarriage?

Miscarriage is far commoner than realised. Studies show that up to 24% of known pregnancies may end in miscarriage.One in four women miscarry at some stage in their lives and a estimated 13,000 miscarry in Ireland each year.

What causes a miscarriage?

In individual patients the cause of a miscarriage is not usually found. Research shows that about half of all miscarriages are due to an error in the genetic make-up of the pregnancy. Nature's response to this problem is spontaneous miscarriage. Almost always, a miscarriage is not due to anything the patient or her partner did or did not do.

Should I be investigated after a miscarriage?

As it is very unusual to find anything abnormal, doctors do not usually investigate a patient unless she has had three or more consecutive miscarriages. Most women have a normal pregnancy after one or two miscarriages whether they are investigated or not.

Will I miscarry next time?

This is unlikely. Even patients who have had recurrent miscarriages have a high chance of having a normal pregnancy in the future.

What will happen at my next period?

There is no set rule. After a miscarriage, the next period may arrive early, on time, or late. The later in pregnancy a woman miscarries, the more likely that the next period will be late. The bleeding with the next period may be light, normal or heavy.

When should we try for another baby?

We recommend that couples should wait until they believe they have recovered physically and physiologically after a miscarriage. There is no need to be concerned if you become pregnant soon after a miscarriage.

What about family planning?

After a miscarriage, you may ovulate and get pregnant before your next period. If you wish to avoid becoming pregnant, therefore, family planning should be considered immediately after the miscarriage.

How will the miscarriage affect us?

A miscarriage affects each woman and her partner differently. Some couples may appear to be unaffected, others may experience a sense of loss which may cause bouts of crying and depression. There is no set rule. It is important to know that all responses are normal, and that you must not be afraid to express your feelings and concerns.

Where can we find help?

A.Never hesitate to seek support from your family, friends and healthcare professionals. If you would like further information or help, please ring (01) 4085266 to make an appointment for our Miscarriage Clinic.