Miscarriage cramp pain relief

Common Treatments for Miscarriage | AAFP

What is a miscarriage?

A miscarriage is something that happens when a pregnancy stops growing. It is sometimes found when women have bleeding in early pregnancy, or it may be found during routine tests.

Miscarriage happens in a pregnancy that would not have been healthy for reasons beyond your control. It is not caused by stress or regular activities like playing sports or having sex.

What happens during a miscarriage?

If you are having a miscarriage and the pregnancy tissue hasn't fully come out, there are three treatment options:

Watch and wait: wait for the miscarriage to happen on its own.
Medicine: use pills called misoprostol (brand name: Cytotec) to make the miscarriage happen sooner.
Suction procedure: have a doctor remove the pregnancy tissue using a simple office procedure.

All three treatment options are safe and will not affect your ability to get pregnant.

Which treatment should I choose?

The most effective treatment for you may depend on the type of miscarriage you have:

Incomplete miscarriage is when the pregnancy tissue begins to pass on its own. Using the watch-and-wait option, it will pass on its own more than 90 percent of the time, but this can take weeks. Using misoprostol, the tissue passes more than 90 percent of the time within one week.
Fetal or embryonic [EM-bree-ON-ik] demise is when the pregnancy has stopped growing but is not passing on its own. Using the watch-and-wait option, this type of miscarriage will pass on its own about 75 percent of the time, but it can take weeks. Using misoprostol, the tissue passes almost 90 percent of the time within one week.
Anembryonic [AN-EM-bree-ON-ik] pregnancy or “empty sac” is when the pregnancy stopped growing before the fetus developed. Using the watch-and-wait option, this type of miscarriage will pass on its own only 66 percent of the time, and may take many weeks. Using misoprostol, the tissue passes about 80 percent of the time within one week.

Many women choose to watch and wait as their first option. If this takes too long, you can come back to the doctor at any time to try another option. If medicine doesn't work, you may come back for a suction procedure. A suction procedure works 100 percent of the time with any type of miscarriage.

Once I choose my treatment, what should I expect to happen?

What to expect if you choose to watch and wait:

Cramping and bleeding can start at any time. Usually the cramping is worse and the bleeding is heavier than during a period. The heavy bleeding is not dangerous and usually lasts from three to five hours. Lighter bleeding often lasts one to two weeks and it may stop and start a few times. Taking ibuprofen (up to 800 mg every eight hours) and using a heating pad can help ease painful cramps.

What to expect if you choose to use medicine:

Misoprostol pills are placed in the vagina at a time chosen by you. Cramps and bleeding usually start two to six hours after placing the pills and last for three to five hours. A heating pad, ibuprofen, and/or a prescription pain medicine may be used to help ease cramps.

Some women get nausea, diarrhea, or chills soon after using misoprostol. This should get better in a few hours. Taking ibuprofen before using misoprostol helps prevent some of the side effects. The bleeding may be much heavier than a period. This heavy bleeding is not risky; it means the treatment is working. Lighter bleeding often lasts one to two weeks and may stop and start a few times.

What to expect if you have a suction procedure:

Taking pain medicine before the procedure helps to ease cramps. The start of the procedure is like a Pap smear or a routine pelvic exam. To numb pain, local anesthesia is injected around the opening of your uterus, called the cervix. Next, the cervix is gently stretched and the pregnancy tissue is removed with a small plastic device.

The procedure usually takes less than 10 minutes. After resting for 15 to 30 minutes, you will then be able to go home. Most women are able to return to their usual activities the next day. It is normal to have mild cramping and bleeding for a few days after the procedure.

What happens after a miscarriage?

You will be given take-home instructions. Call your doctor if you have any of the following:

Bleeding that soaks more than two maxi pads per hour for two hours in a row.
Fever greater than 102°F (a slight fever of 102°F or less is common with misoprostol use).
Feeling very ill, with lower abdominal pain after the heavy cramping and bleeding are over.

At your follow-up visit, your doctor will make sure the miscarriage is over using ultrasonography, a blood test, or both. This visit is also a chance to talk about any emotional issues you may have after the miscarriage.

Once the miscarriage is over, you can try to get pregnant again as soon as you and your partner feel ready. If you do not want to become pregnant right away, be sure to use birth control.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor

AAFP's Patient Education Resource

Web site: https://familydoctor.org/miscarriage/

National Institutes of Health: Medline Plus

Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/miscarriage.html

Miscarriage Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

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Medically reviewed by Fernando Mariz, MD — By Sarah Bradley on August 12, 2021

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), miscarriage happens in at least 10 percent of clinically identified pregnancies. (Meaning, you actually knew you were pregnant; some miscarriages happen before you even miss your period.)

When miscarriage happens after you’ve already gotten a positive pregnancy test, it can be a physically and emotionally painful process.

We can’t make miscarriage any easier, but we can help you understand what’s happening. For instance, although abdominal pain is one of the most frequent symptoms of a miscarriage, it’s not the only type of pain or discomfort you might feel.

Here’s a breakdown of seven types of pain you might have during a miscarriage and what you can do to relieve your symptoms.

Cramping with a miscarriage is usually caused by your uterus contracting. Just like during your period, your uterus contracts to push contents out. Since your uterus is mostly a muscle, these contractions feel like muscle cramps (in other words, they hurt).

You’ll usually feel these cramps on both sides of your lower abdomen or pelvic region. The cramps may come and go in waves or your pain may feel more constant. Unless your doctor has told you not to, you can treat your pain with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like Motrin or Tylenol. You can also use a heating pad to ease cramping.

During a normal menstrual cycle, your uterus builds up lining to prepare for a pregnancy. When the pregnancy can’t continue, the lining needs to be shed.

Because your body has been preparing for pregnancy, there will be more lining and tissue, so your bleeding will be heavier than a period. The further along you are in the pregnancy, the heavier it will be.

To absorb the bleeding, you’ll need to wear a pad. ACOG doesn’t recommend using tampons during a miscarriage. And because the bleeding may last longer and be heavier than a typical period, you may notice some discomfort from moisture accumulation.

Blood loss with a miscarriage

You can lose a significant amount of blood with a miscarriage. Stay in touch with your doctor during the process and call if you experience dizziness or excessive blood loss (e. g., soaking more than two maxi pads per hour for more than 2 hours in a row).

To combat any discomfort, change your pad frequently and clean the area gently with water, avoiding soap.

The change in the vaginal environment from bleeding may also cause a yeast or bacteria overgrowth that could lead to vaginal odor. If you notice any signs of a yeast infection such as itching, or if the discharge becomes very foul smelling, call a doctor.

Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can be caused by hormone changes, as well as side effects from any medication you take to manage the miscarriage. Diarrhea can also be caused by the relaxing of the smooth muscle, just like you experience with a period.

To combat nausea symptoms, drink plenty of water and try to eat small meals consisting of bland, gentle-on-the-stomach foods. These can include:

rice
bananas
oatmeal
scrambled eggs
plain grilled chicken

If your symptoms are making it hard for you to keep food down or stay hydrated, ask your doctor about taking an antinausea or antidiarrheal medication.

Similar to how your period cramps can lead to back pain, the uterine contractions during a miscarriage can cause back pain. This is usually felt in the lower back and the pain can be mild, moderate, or severe.

You can treat it just like you would your cramps — with pain relievers and heating pads — but if it’s really uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor what else you can do.

Shoulder pain is a symptom of ectopic pregnancy and it’s a serious medical emergency. If you have severe, one-sided pain, dizziness or fever, or pain affecting your rectum, pelvis, shoulder, or neck, call your doctor or get urgent medical care right away.

Ectopic pregnancy may not cause bleeding, so it can be a harder type of pregnancy to identify.

It’s normal to feel tired and weak with a miscarriage. You may also have a headache. If you experience excessive dizziness or feel like you may faint, tell your doctor or call your local urgent care center.

It’s also important to rest and drink plenty of water to manage these symptoms. Try to sleep, stay hydrated, and eat nutrient-dense foods.

No matter how far along in your pregnancy you are when you miscarry, you’re allowed to feel grief. Miscarriage emotions can be complicated and messy. You may feel both sad and relieved that it’s over, or you may feel intense and sometimes overwhelming grief.

No matter your situation, you might feel disappointed, hopeless, or scared to conceive again. You might experience anxiety, mood swings and irritability, and even depression.

Talking about your loss can help. Try turning to trusted friends and family members, social media groups, or a mental health professional. Miscarriage can also lead to clinical depression, similar to postpartum depression — so be sure to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms.

The severity of your miscarriage symptoms will depend on how far along you are in your pregnancy and what type of miscarriage you have. Still, a miscarriage at any stage can be difficult because all bodies respond differently.

You may choose expectant management to let your body pass the tissue on its own, you might use medication that can speed up the process, or you may choose a surgical procedure called a dilation and curettage (D&C) to remove the contents of the uterus.

The bleeding that occurs with miscarriage can be different for everyone, too. In general, you can expect menstrual-like bleeding for about a week. After that, spotting can continue for several weeks — sometimes even until your next period. And when is that? Again, it varies: Your menstrual cycle can restart anywhere between 4 to 8 weeks after the miscarriage.

When to seek medical help

If you suspect you’re having a miscarriage, you should always consult with your doctor. Your provider will also stay in touch with you throughout the recovery process.

Depending on the timing of your miscarriage and how it’s managed, it may be 2 or 3 weeks before you’re feeling like yourself again physically. In some cases, your doctor may order an ultrasound to confirm that your uterus is clear of retained tissue.

For some people, the emotional pain of a miscarriage can last much longer. It’s important to remember that the stage of your pregnancy when you miscarried doesn’t matter: You experienced a loss, and loss naturally comes with feelings of grief.

Sometimes that grief can get too big for you to handle on your own. As with postpartum depression after a birth, symptoms of depression can develop after a miscarriage. In fact, according to a 2015 journal article, nearly 20 percent of women report symptoms of depression and/or anxiety after miscarriage.

If you think you might be depressed or are simply struggling to manage your emotional recovery after miscarriage, don’t be afraid or ashamed to reach out for support. A licensed mental health professional can help you process your loss and begin to heal.

You can also look for a miscarriage support group to connect with other people who have shared your experience. You can search or contact any of the following resources for local and online miscarriage support groups:

Hope After Loss
Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support
Empty Cradle
First Candle
Empty Arms Bereavement Support
The Compassionate Friends
The Miscarriage Association (UK)

Miscarriage can be a difficult experience on your body, mind, and heart. You can help ease physical symptoms with rest, fluids, OTC pain relievers — and stay in touch with your doctor if you have any complications.

It’s also important to address the emotional pain of a miscarriage. Talking to a mental health professional or finding support from a local or online pregnancy loss group can help you take steps toward healing.

Last medically reviewed on August 12, 2021

Parenthood
Pregnancy
Miscarriage

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Dealing with grief after the death of your baby. (2017).
marchofdimes.org/complications/dealing-with-grief-after-the-death-of-your-baby. aspx
Early pregnancy loss. (2020).
acog.org/womens-health/faqs/early-pregnancy-loss
Nynas J, et al. (2015). Depression and anxiety following early pregnancy loss: Recommendations for primary care providers.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4468887/
Treating miscarriage. (n.d.).
thewomens.org.au/health-information/pregnancy-and-birth/pregnancy-problems/early-pregnancy-problems/treating-miscarriage

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Aug 12, 2021

Written By

Sarah Bradley

Edited By

Jessica Jondle

Medically Reviewed By

Fernando Mariz, MD

Copy Edited By

Kara Williams

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Medically reviewed by Fernando Mariz, MD — By Sarah Bradley on August 12, 2021

Treatment and prevention of miscarriage

Miscarriage. Symptoms

Causes of a miscarriage

Questions to ask your doctor about a miscarriage

Diagnosis of a miscarriage

If there is a risk of a miscarriage, your doctor may recommend rest until the bleeding or pain stops. Your doctor may also recommend that you abstain from sports and sexual activity. It is better not to travel, and especially not to travel to places where it is difficult to get emergency medical care.

Thanks to the widespread use of ultrasound, it is much easier these days to know if an embryo has died or not formed at all, and to know for sure that a miscarriage will occur. In this case, there are several options:

Expectant tactics. Before ultrasound was used in early pregnancy, most women had no idea that they were going to have a miscarriage. Some women allow the process to develop naturally. Usually a miscarriage occurs a few weeks after the death of the embryo is established. Unfortunately, this process can take three to four weeks. From an emotional point of view, this can be quite a difficult period.

Conservative treatment for miscarriage. If, after diagnosing a miscarriage, a woman decides to speed up the process, then the removal of the embryonic tissue and placenta from the body can be provoked by taking certain drugs. Some medications are taken by mouth, but your doctor may prescribe intravaginal medications to increase their effectiveness and reduce the risk of side effects such as nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Most likely, a miscarriage will occur at home. The time of action of the drug may vary. You may also need more than one dose of the drug. In 70% of cases, the drug begins to act within a day, and a miscarriage occurs in the next few days or weeks.

Surgical treatment. Another treatment option is vacuum aspiration and curettage. During this procedure, the doctor opens the cervix and, using a special device, gently sucks tissue from the uterus. Sometimes a special metal surgical instrument with a loop at the end (curette) is used to scrape the walls of the uterus after vacuum aspiration. Complications are rare, but the connective tissue of the cervix or the wall of the uterus may be damaged.

In the event of an unavoidable miscarriage, surgery is necessary to stop the bleeding.

Lifestyle and home care

Physical recovery

In most cases, physical recovery after a miscarriage takes a few hours to a few days. It will take 4-6 weeks to return to a normal lifestyle. During this period, if you experience heavy bleeding, fever, chills or severe pain, you should contact your doctor. These signs and symptoms may indicate an infection. For two weeks after a miscarriage, you should not have sex, use tampons, or flush your vagina.

Subsequent pregnancy

It is possible to become pregnant during your period immediately after a miscarriage. If you and your partner decide to try for a baby, make sure you are emotionally and physically ready for it. The doctor may recommend to postpone this process until the next menstruation, and maybe even more.

More than three miscarriages in a row should be investigated to determine the underlying causes, such as uterine abnormalities, coagulation problems, or abnormalities at the chromosomal level. In some cases, the doctor will suggest that you get tested after two miscarriages in a row, but two miscarriages still may not have hidden medical reasons. If the cause of miscarriages cannot be determined, do not lose hope. 60-70% of women who have had consecutive miscarriages can become pregnant in the future, even without treatment.

Coping with illness and finding support

Psychological recovery can take much longer than physical recovery. A miscarriage is a painful loss that others will not be able to fully understand. You can experience completely different feelings: from anger to despair. Give yourself time to process this grief and find support from loved ones. Don't blame yourself for what happened. You may not be able to forget all the hopes and dreams you had for this pregnancy, but over time, acceptance will ease the pain. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing deep sadness or depression.

Prevention

With so many possible causes of miscarriage, there is simply no way to prevent it. It is better to concentrate all your energy on taking care of yourself and your unborn child. Seek medical attention and avoid known risk factors such as smoking and drinking alcohol. In the presence of chronic diseases, you need to consult with your doctor in order to monitor your health.

You can get more detailed information about miscarriage from the gynecologists of the Health 365 clinic in Yekaterinburg.

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7 causes of pain during miscarriage and relief methods-Drink-Drink

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Content

1. Spasms in the abdomen
2. Vaginal discomfort

3. Nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.

4. Back pain

5. Pain in the shoulder

6. The weakness and fatigue

7. Emotional pain

What will happen next at a miscarriage

Miscarriage Resources
Conclusion

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), miscarriage occurs in at least 10% of clinically diagnosed pregnancies. (This means you actually knew you were pregnant; some miscarriages happen before you even miss your period.)

When a miscarriage occurs after you have already received a positive pregnancy test, it can be physically and emotionally painful.

We can't make a miscarriage easier, but we can help you understand what's going on. For example, while abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms of a miscarriage, it is not the only type of pain or discomfort you may experience.

Here's a breakdown of the seven types of pain that can occur during a miscarriage and what you can do to help relieve your symptoms.

1. Abdominal cramps

Miscarriage cramps are usually caused by uterine contractions. As with menstruation, the uterus contracts to push the contents out. Because your uterus is mostly muscle, these contractions feel like muscle spasms (in other words, they hurt).

You usually feel these cramps on both sides in your lower abdomen or pelvis. The cramps may come and go in waves, or your pain may be more constant. Unless your doctor has told you not to, you can relieve pain with over-the-counter pain relievers such as Motrin or Tylenol. You can also use a heating pad to relieve cramps.

2. Vaginal discomfort

During the normal menstrual cycle, the uterus lines up to prepare for pregnancy. When the pregnancy cannot continue, the mucosa must be removed.

As your body prepares for pregnancy, it will have more mucous membranes and tissues, so you will bleed more than your period. The further you are in pregnancy, the harder it will be.

You need to wear a pad to absorb bleeding. ACOG does not recommend using tampons during a miscarriage. And since the bleeding may last longer and be more profuse than with a normal period, you may notice some discomfort from the accumulation of moisture.

Loss of blood during a miscarriage

A significant amount of blood can be lost during a miscarriage. Stay in touch with your doctor during the process and call if you experience dizziness or excessive blood loss (such as soaking more than two maxi pads per hour for more than 2 consecutive hours).

To relieve any discomfort, change the pad frequently and gently wipe the area with water, avoiding the use of soap.

Changing the vaginal environment due to bleeding can also cause an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria, which can lead to vaginal odor. If you notice any signs of a yeast infection, such as itching, or if the discharge becomes very foul-smelling, see your doctor.

3. Nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.

Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can be caused by hormonal changes, as well as side effects of any medications you take to treat a miscarriage. Diarrhea can also be caused by smooth muscle relaxation, as with menstruation.

To combat the symptoms of nausea, drink plenty of water and try to eat small, soft foods that are gentle on the stomach. This may include:

rice
bananas
oatmeal
scrambled eggs
regular grilled chicken

If your symptoms make it difficult for you to eat or avoid dehydration, ask your doctor about taking antidiarrheal drugs.

4. Back pain

Just as menstrual cramps can lead to back pain, uterine contractions during a miscarriage can cause back pain. It is usually felt in the lower back, and the pain may be mild, moderate, or severe.

You can treat it the same way you treat cramps - painkillers and heating pads - but if it's really uncomfortable, don't hesitate to ask your doctor what else you can do.

5. Shoulder pain

Shoulder pain is a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy and is a medical emergency. If you have severe pain on one side, dizziness or fever, or pain in your rectum, pelvis, shoulder, or neck, call your doctor right away or seek emergency medical attention.

An ectopic pregnancy may not cause bleeding and is therefore more difficult to detect.

6. Weakness and fatigue

It is normal to feel tired and weak during a miscarriage. You may also have a headache. If you experience severe dizziness or feel like you might pass out, tell your doctor or call your local emergency center.

It is also important to rest and drink plenty of water to manage these symptoms. Try to sleep, stay hydrated, and eat nutrient-dense foods.

7. Emotional pain

No matter how early in your pregnancy you may feel grief when you have a miscarriage. The emotions of a miscarriage can be complex and messy. You may feel both sad and relieved that it's over, or you may feel intense and sometimes overwhelming grief.

Regardless of your situation, you may feel frustrated, hopeless, or afraid to get pregnant again. You may experience anxiety, mood swings, irritability, and even depression.

Talking about your loss can help. Try reaching out to trusted friends and family, social media groups, or a mental health professional. A miscarriage can also lead to clinical depression similar to postpartum depression, so be sure to see your doctor if you experience any symptoms.

What happens next after a miscarriage

The severity of the symptoms of a miscarriage will depend on how far along you are in your pregnancy and what type of miscarriage you have. However, a miscarriage at any stage can be severe because all organs react differently.

You can choose to wait and see so your body can pass through the tissue on its own, you can use medications that can speed up the process, or you can choose a surgical procedure called dilation and curettage (D&C) to remove the contents of the uterus.

Bleeding that occurs during a miscarriage can also be different for everyone. In general, you can expect menstrual-like bleeding for about a week. After that, spotting can continue for several weeks - sometimes even until the next menstruation. And when is it? Again, this varies: your period may resume anywhere between 4 and 8 weeks after the miscarriage.

When to Seek Medical Care

If you suspect you are having a miscarriage, you should always consult your doctor. Your provider will also keep in touch with you throughout the recovery process.

Miscarriage recovery

Depending on the timing of your miscarriage and how it was handled, it may take 2 or 3 weeks before you feel physically fit again. In some cases, a doctor may order an ultrasound to make sure there is no remaining tissue in the uterus.

For some people, the emotional pain of a miscarriage can last much longer. It is important to remember that the stage of your pregnancy when you miscarried does not matter: you experienced a loss, and loss naturally comes with grief.

Sometimes this grief can become too much for you to deal with on your own. As with postpartum depression, symptoms of depression may develop after a miscarriage. In fact, according to a 2015 Journal article, nearly 20 percent of women report symptoms of depression and/or anxiety after a miscarriage.