Signs of Miscarriage – When to Call the Doctor

Prompt Medical Attention Can Prevent Pregnancy Loss in Some Cases

Mar 31, 2010
Victoria Nicks

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Miscarriage due to certain conditions can be prevented with prompt medical care. Avoid unnecessary pregnancy loss by calling the doctor when signs of miscarriage occur.

Although many miscarriages are inevitable, it is still important to check with a doctor when signs of miscarriage occur. Some pregnancy losses can be prevented with cerclage or bed rest, and medical evaluation can help determine what treatments are available to stop an impending miscarriage. In some cases, a miscarriage can also threaten the mother's health, which may require the assistance of emergency services.

Common Signs of Miscarriage

The most common signs of miscarriage include abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. Back pain and the passage of clot-like material from the vagina is more likely to indicate an actual miscarriage in progress, while light bleeding may indicate a threatened miscarriage. A threatened miscarriage is not inevitable in all cases, and should be evaluated immediately to determine potential treatments to prevent the loss of the pregnancy.

Miscarriage Prevention Through Rest

During a threatened miscarriage, if the obstetrician finds that the baby is still growing and developing normally, the mother is often advised to rest. Bed rest, combined with pelvic rest, can prevent the threatened miscarriage from progressing. Remaining in bed, restricting activity and avoiding sex can make the nine months of pregnancy take even longer, but may save the life of the baby. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Many women with threatened miscarriage go on to have a normal pregnancy."

How is Cerclage Used to Prevent Miscarriage?

Cervical cerclage is a medical procedure used to prevent premature opening or dilation of the cervix, which results in miscarriage or preterm labor. During this procedure, the cervix is simply sewn shut by the doctor. The stitches are typically removed once labor begins, or at the 37th week of pregnancy, whichever comes first.

Premature dilation of the cervix is caused by a weak cervix, which can result from certain medical procedures that force the dilation of the cervix. One sign of a weak cervix is repeated second-trimester pregnancy loss. Cerclage can only help women that suffer pregnancy loss as the result of a weak cervix.

When to Call the Doctor for Miscarriage

Threatened miscarriage, and miscarriage due to a weak cervix, can be sometimes be prevented if addressed in a timely fashion. Even if the woman feels that the miscarriage is already taking place, or is complete, it is important to be sure that there is no infection or other complication from the pregnancy loss. In addition, obstetricians can often refer a patient to counseling services to help her cope with the loss. For these reasons, a Pregnant woman should always call her obstetrician, or other physician, to be evaluated if she experiences cramping or bleeding.