A loss of early pregnancy
A miscarriage is the loss of an early pregnancy in the first four months. Vaginal bleeding is usually one of the first symptoms, or an ultrasound shows a pregnancy that is not intact. From seven weeks of pregnancy, in an intact pregnancy, heart action can be observed. The cause of an early miscarriage is almost always a predisposition disorder, which means that development does not continue and the amniotic sac stops growing with or without the embryo. There is nothing you can do yourself to prevent miscarriage.
When a miscarriage is diagnosed, there are three ways to remove the lost pregnancy:
- Waiting for the lost pregnancy to pass spontaneously.
- Administration of medication (Misoprostol) after which the lost pregnancy often starts to pass (faster).
- Curettage, a procedure in which the gynecologist removes pregnancy tissue from the uterus through the vagina and cervix. This is done in the operating room under full anesthetic. This is a day treatment. See the ‘Rondom’ folder.
Recovery
A miscarriage is an emotional and sad event. You are expecting and that expectation is suddenly gone. Emotions such as sadness, guilt, disbelief and anger are common. Take time to give this event a place. During this period, we have regular phone contact and are available day and night for questions or problems.
Abortion
There may be circumstances in which you find that this pregnancy is not wanted. Among other things, you can then choose to have an abortion. It is often a very difficult decision, to decide to have an abortion. However, it may be the right one for you or for you at that time.
In the Netherlands, you have the choice of abortion up to 22 weeks. For an abortion, you can go to an abortion clinic, such as the Bloemenhove clinic in Heemstede. Since Jan. 1, 2023, the mandatory minimum reflection period for the termination of pregnancies has lapsed. A reflection period will still apply, but starting Jan. 1, 2023, the pregnant woman will determine, in consultation with the doctor, how long the reflection period should be prior to the abortion. If you are unsure about abortion, it is advisable to seek help quickly in making this decision. For this you can contact the abortion clinic, your family doctor, FIOM, a psychologist or our practice.
The decision about terminating or maintaining a pregnancy can be incredibly difficult and bring up intense feelings. We feel it is important that you know you may always seek help from professionals who can support you in making this difficult decision. If you are having or have just had a miscarriage you may call us at any time. If you are experiencing anxiety, heavy bleeding or feeling like you are going to faint or become unwell, please call us! We are available 24/7.
Getting pregnant again
A one time miscarriage usually does not mean an increased risk of another miscarriage in the next pregnancy. You may have intercourse again after the bleeding stops. Getting pregnant again is not complicated by miscarriage, nor is it medically necessary to wait to get pregnant again.
For any woman who wants to get pregnant, it is important to live as healthy a life as possible and take folic acid.
Should you be pregnant again, we can schedule an appointment for an ultrasound examination around the eighth week of pregnancy. This is a vaginal ultrasound to see if it is a vital pregnancy. The next ultrasound, the term determination, is always between 10-11 weeks of pregnancy.