women s health issues
Miscarriage
Introduction
A miscarriage is a pregnancy loss before 20 weeks of pregnancy. Miscarriages are very common, especially early in pregnancy. Most of the time, the cause of a miscarriage is unknown, but it may occur because the fetus is not developing normally (sometimes because of a genetic abnormality or birth defect) or because of a health issue in the pregnant woman such as a structural abnormality of the reproductive organs, infection, use of substances (for example,cocaine, alcohol, or cigarette smoking), or an injury. Bleeding and cramping may be symptoms of a miscarriage. Doctors check the fetal status with ultrasonography and do a pelvic examination. If a miscarriage is confirmed, a woman may wait to pass the pregnancy tissue, or she may take medications or have a procedure to help with this process. A miscarriage occurs in about 10 to 15% of confirmed pregnancies. Many more miscarriages are unrecognized because they occur before a woman knows she is pregnant. About 85% of miscarriages occur during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The remaining 15% of miscarriages occur during weeks 13 to 20. When a woman wants to be pregnant and have a child, a miscarriage is often emotionally difficult for her and her partner, and they may need support from loved ones and health care professionals. Miscarriages are more common in , particularly when women are not receiving adequate medical care. 