Get the Facts About Miscarriage
Miscarriage occurs in about 20 percent of pregnancies, and most take place in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. In some cases, the fetus does not develop properly, or it stops growing. Here's what you should know:
- Activities of daily life do not increase the risk of miscarriage.
- Exercising or using birth control before getting pregnant does not increase the likelihood of miscarriage.
- Most miscarriages are caused by genetic problems in the pregnancy. Because the genetics are abnormal, the pregnancy stops progressing.
Treatment Options
We have several treatment options available for miscarriage management, including:
- Medical management — giving you medication to help your body pass the pregnancy, with close follow up to see how you are doing
- Surgical Management— Provided same day in office or under anesthesia in the operating room
- Expectant management — waiting to see if your body will pass the pregnancy on its own, with follow up that works for you
We also offer offer comprehensive miscarriage counseling, focusing not only on your medical care, but also on your emotional needs. Our clinicians will guide you through your treatment options so that you can decide what best fits your life.
Our team is currently conducting a study of new medical management options for miscarriage. We can talk with you about this study and answer any questions you have.
Learn more about the "Comparative Effectiveness of Pregnancy Failure Management Regimens" trial and others at the Women's Health Clinical Research Center.