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Positive pregnancy test 5 weeks after miscarriage


How to tell if a miscarriage has happened

If you’ve heard the term miscarriage, you probably know that it means the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks’ gestation. Miscarriage is something that no one wants to think about during early pregnancy, but 10-20% of all known pregnancies end in miscarriage. Being able to recognize miscarriage symptoms and knowing what to do next can help you be more prepared in case one happens.

Miscarriage symptoms

A miscarriage can happen suddenly or gradually, which means that you may not notice any particularly early symptoms of a miscarriage. But no matter how fast it happens, key symptoms include:

  • Pink, red or brown vaginal bleeding or spotting
  • Cramps or pain in the lower abdomen
  • Passing tissue or blood clots from the vagina

Every miscarriage is different. The heaviest bleeding and cramps may be over within a few hours, but bleeding could continue off and on for as long as three weeks. And although most people experience cramps, a miscarriage isn’t always painful.

Both vaginal spotting and mild cramps are common during early pregnancy, so it’s possible to have a miscarriage and not know it. This is why you should call your care provider if you experience any of the above symptoms once you’ve confirmed your pregnancy.

When do miscarriages happen?

Most miscarriages happen during the first trimester, which is the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. If you’re not tracking your menstrual cycle or fertility, it’s possible to mistake an early miscarriage for a period. And although miscarriages can still happen after the first trimester, the chances drop significantly – to around 3-4%. It’s also possible to have a pregnancy loss after 20 weeks, but this is referred to as a stillbirth. It’s treated differently and is much less common than a miscarriage.

Will a pregnancy test be negative after a miscarriage?

It takes time for your hormones to return to their pre-pregnancy levels after a miscarriage. The amount of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) may still be high enough to trigger a positive result on a pregnancy test for several weeks after a miscarriage.

What causes miscarriages?

One of the most important things to know about miscarriages is that they’re often caused by things that you have no control over, including:

  • Chromosomal abnormalities: This is when a fertilized egg has too many or too few chromosomes. Chromosomal abnormalities account for around half of all miscarriages and are usually random. They can either prevent the embryo from developing or from forming in the first place.
  • Uterine or cervical issues: In some cases, conditions related to the uterus or cervix can interfere with embryo development and lead to miscarriage. This includes conditions that create growths or scar tissue in the uterus like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and cervical insufficiency – which is when the cervix opens too early, typically in the second trimester.
  • Infections: Untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause you to miscarry. It’s important to get tested for STIs before you get pregnant, as you can have an infection without symptoms. You may also miscarry if you become infected with listeriosis, which is a type of food poisoning. This is why it’s recommended that you avoid eating certain foods during pregnancy.

In addition to the above, there are other factors that can increase your risk of miscarriage and other pregnancy complications. These risk factors include:

  • Age: Pregnancy after age 35 comes with a higher risk of miscarriage. This is because as you age, eggs with extra or missing chromosomes become more common.
  • Environmental exposure: Working around or otherwise being exposed to radiation, toxins or contaminants.
  • Health conditions: Certain health conditions, like autoimmune disorders, thyroid disorders, severe diabetes and being over- or underweight.
  • Lifestyle choices: Smoking, drinking alcohol and using drugs.
  • Previous miscarriages: Having two or more miscarriages in a row can be a sign that you have a higher chance of miscarrying in general.

What does NOT cause a miscarriage

Physical activity and sex have not been linked to miscarriage. But if you’re ever unsure about whether something is safe to do during your pregnancy, talk to your care provider.

Some studies have shown that stress or high caffeine intake during pregnancy may increase miscarriage risk. More research is needed, but it’s recommended that you try to manage your stress as best you can, and keep your daily caffeine intake below 200 milligrams.

What to do if you have a miscarriage

Again, if you notice potential symptoms of a miscarriage, call your care provider. They will want to confirm the miscarriage and make sure that you aren’t at risk for heavy blood loss or infection. This is usually done with a pelvic exam and an ultrasound.

Miscarriages frequently resolve on their own without any need for treatment. It may take a few days to pass all of the tissue, and you may have moderate bleeding that lightens over the course of a couple weeks. Seek immediate medical treatment if you have heavy bleeding that does not lighten, fever, weakness or other signs of infection.

Medical treatment for a miscarriage

There’s no treatment that can stop a miscarriage. Instead, miscarriage treatment focuses on preventing excessive blood loss and infection, which can happen if the uterus isn’t completely cleared of tissue. Once a miscarriage has been confirmed, options for treatment may include:

  • Medication: Medication can be used to speed up the passing of pregnancy tissue.
  • Surgery: If there’s leftover tissue in the uterus or signs of heavy blood loss or infection, a minor surgery called dilation and curettage (D&C) may be performed. In a D&C, the cervix is dilated so that the remaining tissue can be gently removed. This option can also be chosen based on preference.

Tips for recovering from a miscarriage

  • To prevent infection, avoid putting anything in your vagina during a miscarriage, and for two weeks afterwards. This means avoiding sexual intercourse and using pads instead of tampons.
  • If you’re having painful cramps during or after a miscarriage, take acetaminophen – follow the label instructions.
  • Your iron levels may drop as a result of the bleeding. To offset this and support your body’s blood production, eat a healthy diet that’s high in iron and vitamin C. Iron can be found in red meat, shellfish, beans and leafy green vegetables. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruit, kiwis, bell peppers and many other vegetables.
  • A miscarriage can be an emotionally difficult time, and there’s no right or wrong way to feel. It’s common to experience a variety of emotions, including mood swings, grief, anger and loneliness. Talk with family, friends or a counselor if you’re feeling overwhelmed or need support after a pregnancy loss.
  • Be kind to yourself. The physical and emotional toll of a miscarriage can be draining. It’s okay to take a step back from your regular activities if you need to rest and recuperate.
  • Once your miscarriage has been confirmed, go to any recommended follow-up appointments, and report new or worsening symptoms to your care provider as soon as possible.

Can you avoid a miscarriage?

After a miscarriage, it’s normal to wonder if you could have done anything differently. Remember, a miscarriage is rarely anyone’s fault, and there’s no sure way to prevent one from happening. That said, there are a few healthy lifestyle choices you can make to minimize your risk:

  • If you smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs, quit as soon as possible.
  • Get tested for STIs.
  • Talk to a medical professional about any health conditions you haven’t had treatment for.
  • Stick to any treatment plans or other methods you’ve already been given for managing health conditions.
  • Get enough physical activity.
  • Eat a balanced diet.

Keep your risk low

If you aren’t pregnant yet, one of the best things you can do to minimize your risk of miscarriage and other complications is to make a preconception appointment. This is an opportunity for your care provider to review your medical and lifestyle histories, and make recommendations that can give your pregnancy the healthiest possible start.

And if you’re already pregnant, stick to your prenatal appointment schedule. Your prenatal appointments ensure that you and your little one are getting all the care you need. Plus, these appointments give your care team the chance to catch signs and symptoms of complications before they affect your pregnancy.

Make a preconception appointment or a prenatal appointment.

Pregnancy Tests After Miscarriage - How Long Until It’s Negative?

When a pregnancy ends suddenly, like in the case of miscarriage, it can take some time for your hormones to return to normal and recalibrate.   The hormone measured by pregnancy tests, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is only made in high levels while you’re pregnant and these levels usually rise in a predictable way.  

But what happens when a pregnancy ends?  In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the ins and outs of pregnancy tests after miscarriage.  We’ll take a look at what hCG levels can look like, how long it can take until they are negative, and trying to conceive again.   We’ll also cover some of the most frequently asked questions about taking pregnancy tests after miscarriage and what to expect to be ready for another pregnancy.     

hCG levels after miscarriage

Testing for the presence of hCG in urine is one of the primary ways we determine if an individual is pregnant.  Although you may find trace amounts in your system at other times, hCG is really only produced in high levels when you’re pregnant and peaks around the 8th to 11th week of pregnancy.  When you miscarry, your body will halt the production of hCG and levels will gradually return to their pre-pregnancy baseline.   

While there is a range of what is considered “normal”, hCG levels can vary depending on the individual and the stage of pregnancy.  Accordingly, how long hCG stays in your system will depend on how far along you were in your pregnancy as well as other lifestyle factors.  The exact levels to expect will depend on how high hCG levels were immediately prior to the loss.  If hCG remains elevated, this could be a sign that something more serious is going on (like in the rare case of a molar pregnancy) and should be investigated by your doctor.     

How long will a pregnancy test be positive after a miscarriage?

How long it takes for your hCG level to gradually return to normal will depend on how far along you were in your pregnancy and what kind of pregnancy you had.  Levels may persist even after miscarriage but will generally start to fall and return to their baseline or pre-pregnancy levels, which can take up to 6 weeks.  If your pregnancy ended very early you will likely have low levels of hCG whereas if your pregnancy was further along you will have more in your bloodstream.   

Early miscarriage

An early pregnancy loss, or one that occurs shortly after implantation, means your hCG levels were lower and will likely return to baseline in less time.  Even though levels of the hormone were being produced at a rate high enough to be detected on a pregnancy test, they will fall rapidly without successful implantation.  It may only take days for your hCG levels to return to normal after early miscarriage.       

Miscarriage later in pregnancy

Your hCG levels double every 2-3 days at the beginning of a pregnancy and peak around week 10.  A miscarriage  that occurs later in pregnancy means you will have more hCG in your blood and levels may naturally take longer to return to a pre-pregnancy baseline.   

Trying to get pregnant again

Traditionally, many doctors recommend waiting several months before trying to conceive again after a miscarriage.  Although there is no medical evidence to wait this long, each situation is different and will depend on multiple factors including your personal medical history.    

How long should you wait?

Miscarriage can take both a physical and emotional toll and it’s important to wait until your mind and body are both fully ready.  Physically, once hCG is back to its pre-pregnancy levels and ovulation has resumed, your body is able to get pregnant again.  Although recent research has debunked the need for an extended wait, it’s important to allow your body to heal and for your pregnancy hormones to normalize.      

Why should you wait?

Allowing your body to heal is an important reason to wait before getting pregnant again.  

Aside from giving you time to emotionally process the events, it gives your body a chance to return to optimal conditions to support a new pregnancy.  

Allowing body to return to pre-pregnancy state

It can take time for your body to recalibrate and return to its pre-pregnancy state.  As your hormones regulate, your menstrual cycle will gradually return to a normal pattern and you can track your cycle for ideal timing.      

Avoiding false positives pregnancies

It can take weeks or months for your hormones to return to normal after a pregnancy loss.  Because pregnancy tests detect hCG in urine, your test results may be inaccurate if your hormones haven’t fully returned to baseline.  

If there is still hCG in your system from the previous pregnancy, you could get a “false positive” and think you’re pregnant when you’re not.  Not waiting long enough before trying again can make it harder in the long run by making testing inaccurate and possibly complicating your care (more on your fertility after a miscarriage here).  

FAQs about pregnancy tests after miscarriage

Have questions about pregnancy tests after miscarriage?  We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions for you.

Do hCG levels need to drop to 0 before trying to conceive again?

hCG can remain in your bloodstream for weeks after a miscarriage and how long it takes for levels to drop to 0 will vary from woman to woman.   Women used to be advised to wait at least three months before getting pregnant again, but experts now agree that there is no reason to delay pregnancy after you have experienced an early pregnancy loss.  Ask your doctor how long you should wait in your situation since recommendations will depend on multiple factors unique to your health. 

Can I take a pregnancy test to see if I miscarried?

Because hCG can remain in your bloodstream for weeks following a pregnancy loss, it is not recommended to use a pregnancy test to see if you miscarried.  You may still get a false-positive test reading from the hCG in your system.  

If you have a pregnancy test show a negative result after previously receiving a positive one, it can be a sign of a chemical pregnancy or early miscarriage.  However, it’s best to not rely on a home pregnancy test for this kind of information and instead see a doctor.   

Can you ovulate with hCG in your system after a miscarriage?

HCG naturally suppresses ovulation by ensuring the corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone throughout the first trimester of pregnancy.   With hCG in your system, it will suppress your normal ovulation process and as your hormones regulate, your cycle will eventually return.     

How do you confirm a miscarriage?

Your doctor will perform a few different tests to figure out exactly what is going on and if you have experienced a miscarriage.  These may include a blood test to check hormone levels, a pelvic exam, ultrasound, or pregnancy test among others.    

What to do after a miscarriage

If a woman has a miscarriage, it is important to take competent measures to restore her health. This will help to cope mentally and prepare the ground for a new pregnancy. According to medical statistics, 15-20% of pregnancies end in spontaneous termination for various reasons. The symptoms of what happened rarely go unnoticed, which makes it possible to diagnose the pathology in time, consult a gynecologist, undergo adequate treatment and plan the birth of a child for the future.

Specialists classify spontaneous abortion into two categories:

1. Termination of biochemical pregnancy - the embryo leaves the uterine cavity in the first or third weeks after conception. A woman during this period most often does not suspect that she is carrying a child. Pregnancy becomes known only when testing for the content of hCG in the urine and blood. The blood that has left the body is usually perceived as menstruation, which, for unknown reasons, began outside the scheduled time. Units who carefully monitor their health go to the doctor.

2. Spontaneous abortion or miscarriage in early pregnancy - up to 22 weeks, when the weight of the embryo does not reach 0.4 kg.

What is a miscarriage like? If parts of the fetus remain in the uterus, they speak of an incomplete miscarriage, which occurs more often in the early stages of pregnancy. To neutralize the negative consequences, to prevent the development of an infectious process in the tissues, the product of conception is evacuated from the uterine cavity by the methods of medical interruption, gynecological curettage, and vacuum aspiration.

Therapy may include the use of drugs aimed at contracting the uterus and pushing the contents out. Ultrasound examination is considered to be the control method of diagnostics.

Why the body rejects the embryo

The causes of miscarriage often lie in the presence of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. Among the factors provoking rejection of embryos are also:

  • Heredity and genetic failure at the stage of fertilization of the egg by the sperm.
  • A non-viable fetus may appear as a result of various risk factors - environmental conditions, occupational hazards, viral illness of parents. It is impossible to neutralize these factors. The only way out of the situation is to reduce the likelihood of their manifestation by protecting the expectant mother from dangers during gestation.
  • Hormonal imbalance caused by disruption of the endocrine system. The situation can be affected by an insufficient amount of progesterone in the mother's body or an excess of testosterone. With early detection of a failure of the hormonal system, a woman undergoes specially organized therapy before pregnancy.
  • The presence of tumors , neoplasms in the pelvic organs.
  • Isthmic-cervical insufficiency when the isthmus and cervix dilate prematurely, unable to cope with the increasing pressure caused by the growing fetus in the body.
  • There is a risk of miscarriage in the presence of anomalies in the work of the cardiovascular and renal systems.
  • Drug addiction , alcohol addiction, substance abuse of mother and father.
  • Depressive conditions , stress, nervous stress of a pregnant woman.
  • Mechanical stress , blows, bruises, excessive physical labor of the future woman in labor.
  • X-ray examination - radiation can cause miscarriage.
  • Drug use . In the first trimester, you can not use potent medicinal formulas. Drugs can cause the development of defects in the embryo. Some decoctions of herbs are also contraindicated - parsley, tansy, cornflower, nettle, St. John's wort. It is forbidden to self-medicate. Each drug is agreed with the attending physician.
  • Infectious and viral process in the body. Any sexually transmitted infection can provoke a miscarriage, which must be cured before pregnancy, otherwise there is a high risk of infection of the fetus in the womb. A great threat of miscarriage in the early stages exists due to viral infections and inflammation of the internal organs. A dangerous symptom is the high temperature of the mother, accompanied by intoxication of the body. At the stage of pregnancy planning, it is important to stop chronic diseases.
  • History of abortion , unsuccessful surgery, unprofessionalism of the doctor and unfortunate circumstances.
  • Immunological factors .

The list of causes of miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy and in the later period may be more extensive, in each case, doctors identify the pathology individually.

Isthmic-cervical insufficiency (ICI)

One of the most common causes of spontaneous miscarriage during pregnancy is CCI - dilatation of the cervix and isthmus of the uterus as a result of increasing pressure from the growing fetus. Pre-pregnancy manipulations with the uterus (cervical dilation due to abortion, childbirth or curettage) affect the condition of the muscle ring. Damaged areas are tightened by scar tissue that does not have elasticity, is not amenable to stretching and contraction. ICI also has a functional nature when there is a hormonal imbalance.

ICI occurs in the period from the 11th to the 27th week after conception, when the embryo begins to produce androgens in the mother's body with the launch of the adrenal glands. Taking into account the mother's hormones, their indicator can be exceeded - this softens the cervix, opens and shortens it. Harmful bacteria and microorganisms penetrate into the formed channel, infecting the fetal egg. The initial stages of ICI do not have obvious symptoms, since they do not entail the tone of the uterine muscles. With the loss of strength of the membranes, amniotic fluid pours out. There are no pain sensations.

If a woman has had a miscarriage that started with amniotic fluid, she should report it to her doctor when monitoring a subsequent pregnancy.

Treatment of isthmic-cervical insufficiency

Endocrine disorders are corrected by prescribing hormonal drugs. An assessment of the condition of the uterus is carried out by a doctor a couple of weeks after the start of taking medications. They say about positive dynamics when the opening is suspended and no further expansion of the neck is observed. In the absence of the planned effect, surgical intervention is prescribed. Similar measures are used for the traumatic nature of the neck deformity. You should not be afraid of the operation, the doctor acts delicately, without causing additional injuries to the patient, without causing discomfort to the baby growing in the womb. The procedure is most effective in the early stages of pregnancy. Suturing can significantly reduce the risk of infection of the embryo through the lower edge of the cavity.

Surgical intervention takes place in a hospital. Before the operation, the pregnant woman is examined. After the procedure, the vagina is sanitized, for which the suturing site is treated with chlorhexidine and furatsilin for three days. The patient needs to undergo a weekly follow-up examination with the attending physician, where he assesses the situation, making adjustments to the therapeutic protocol if necessary. The sutures are removed at the 38th week of pregnancy. During this time, the neck matures, preparing the birth canal for the passage of the fetus. Many women in labor worry that they will need a caesarean section if they have stitches, but this is not true. In most cases, women give birth on their own.

Immediate action is recommended if the amniotic sac prolapses (falls out) into the cervix between 16 and 24 weeks. The suturing of the neck obliges the woman to observe bed rest, strictly follow the daily routine, avoid physical exertion, and do not skip taking medications. In rare cases, complications occur. Among them, the eruption of sutures through the tissues, provoked by the frequent tension of the muscles of the uterus. To prevent tone, tocolytics are prescribed - medicines to prevent premature birth. The expectant mother should be prepared for frequent examinations and smears, which may be caused by the likelihood of accumulation of pathological microflora on the suture threads.

It is also important to conduct psychological therapy, where a woman is taught relaxation techniques. The behavior of the future mother is a decisive factor in the successful bearing of the fetus in case of pregnancy complications. Panic and fuss create an unfavorable prognosis in stabilizing the situation. If a spontaneous abortion occurred for reasons of ICI, when you can get pregnant after a miscarriage, the doctor will say. Ideally, the period should be at least two years. The specialist must also take measures to prevent a repeated situation of losing a child.

In addition to the suture, ICI correction is also carried out using an obstetric pessary. An alternative method is the imposition of a special ring of hypoallergenic materials on the cervix. Silicone is the most commonly used. The ring creates additional support, preventing the opening of the neck.

Uterine hypertonicity - risk prevention

Uterine contractions before natural delivery is called hypertonicity. The condition is not an independent disease, it signals a malfunction in the body, often manifesting itself in the early stages of pregnancy. The causes of the pathological phenomenon are:

  • Hormonal disorders caused by insufficient function of the placenta, ovaries, problems with the adrenal glands, causing imbalance.
  • Genital infantilism , organ defects.
  • Neoplasms , tumors in the uterus that are not necessarily malignant (eg, fibroids).
  • During pregnancy infectious processes, viral diseases.
  • CCI - opening of the cervix under increasing pressure created by the growing embryo.
  • Immunological problems .
  • Chronic diseases of the body (cardiovascular disorders, renal insufficiency).
  • Past miscarriages early pregnancy, symptoms of which may recur, induced abortions.

In addition to physiological causes, psychological factors are of no small importance. A woman who is in a depressed state can provoke hypertonicity in herself.

You can feel the tension of the muscles of the uterus on your own, without the help of a specialist. This is evidenced by the heaviness that appears in the lower abdomen, pulling pains in the lumbar region. Symptoms are similar to painful menstruation. Arising in the first trimester, the condition provokes spontaneous abortion, missed pregnancy, death of the fetal egg. In the subsequent period, premature birth due to hypertonicity is likely.

Why does the tension of the walls of the uterus cause irreversible consequences? The reason is the disturbed blood supply to the placental tissues, the occurrence of hypoxia of the embryo and the slowdown in the development of the emerging child. Following the contraction of the muscles of the uterus, there is no contraction of the placenta, which causes its detachment and provoking the release of the fetal bladder.

Hypertonicity is diagnosed during a scheduled visit to a specialist. Stabilization of the situation requires the appointment of sedative drugs and antispasmodics. A strengthening effect is provided by therapy with the inclusion of vitamin B6, magnesium. In most cases, the measures taken are sufficient to neutralize the risks. Self-treatment, which can cause irreversible consequences, is strictly prohibited. With hypertonicity, the main rule for a pregnant woman is calmness and lack of physical activity. Some women who have had a successful delivery say they "didn't get up" during their entire pregnancy. With hypertonicity, sexual intercourse is also excluded.

If the threat cannot be neutralized, hospitalization is recommended. It is especially dangerous when severe cramping pain is complemented by spotting. To lie down "for preservation" is an adequate measure in the struggle for the birth of a healthy and strong baby. In the hospital walls, a pregnant woman is prescribed a vaginal examination, ultrasound. If necessary, a woman takes urine and blood tests, checks the hormonal background, and is examined for the presence of STIs.

At the onset of labor activity before the 34th week, the condition is tried to be stabilized with tocolytics. The most dangerous period is from the 25th to the 28th week, when the woman is recommended the maximum possible bed rest. After that, the fetus has every chance of survival. In order to quickly form the pulmonary system of the embryo, allowing it to survive with an early birth, hormones are prescribed.

Having an unfavorable prognosis for miscarriage and the threat of miscarriage, it is necessary to take up prevention at the stage of conception planning.

Stages of spontaneous abortion

There are certain signs that attract attention and divide the course of a miscarriage into specific stages:

  • Threat - having noticed factors threatening pregnancy, you can take measures to restore the situation, normalize the mother's well-being.
  • Start of abortion - at this stage, the doctor can apply life-saving manipulations and give recommendations to the pregnant woman.
  • Miscarriage in progress – the condition is irreversible, it is impossible to stop the pathology. The death of the fetal egg begins, which leaves the uterine cavity.
  • Completed abortion - the uterus gets rid of the residual tissues of the embryo, cleanses, restores its original parameters. It is important to prevent the remnants of foreign fibers inside, otherwise the organ becomes infected with decaying residues and toxins go into the bloodstream.

Symptoms of a miscarriage - how not to miss the threat

If there is a threat of miscarriage in the early stages, the following symptoms may occur: The pain may be monotonous or come in waves.

  • Slow bleeding opens, the signs of which are reduced to brownish spotting. Bright scarlet blood can stand out, it is often confused with menstruation.
  • Uterine tone .

    • A woman who does not know how an early miscarriage occurs should listen to her inner state.

    Should alert:

    • spasmodic pain impulses;
    • Drawing pain in the lumbar region.
    In the later stages, the above symptoms are added:
    • liquid discharge from the vagina, which may indicate damage to the amniotic sac;
    • pain when urinating;
    • internal bleeding, which warns the deterioration of the general condition, fainting, dizziness, pallor of the skin. All this is an indication for emergency hospitalization of a pregnant woman.

    The beginning of an abortion is characterized by more pronounced symptoms of a miscarriage - contraction-like pain, severe dizziness, loss of strength. Instead of smearing discharges, clot-like ones appear, abundantly manifested during movement. Pregnancy can be saved if the area of ​​detachment of the fetal egg is small and the fetal heartbeat is determined.

    The third stage is useless for saving the fetus. There is girdle pain in the lower back and abdomen. Together with abundant blood loss, a fetal egg comes out of the uterus. Incomplete miscarriage requires curettage of the uterine cavity if parts of the embryo or membranes of the fetal egg remain in it, otherwise there is a high risk of complications that will endanger the life of the mother.

    In rare cases, complications and serious health consequences can occur after a spontaneous abortion. But in the majority of situations, the body independently copes with what happened, expelling the parts remaining in the uterine cavity with a natural contraction of the muscles. An early spontaneous miscarriage does not always occur, a dangerous condition can also occur in the later stages. Some women try to provoke the release of the fetus with decoctions of herbs and medications. This is fraught with complications, including sepsis, dysfunction of the reproductive organs, after which pregnancy becomes impossible.

    Methods of diagnosis

    The symptoms of a threatened miscarriage at an early stage will be determined by a doctor during a visit to the antenatal clinic. The specialist will check the size of the uterus, determine the tone of its muscles, the condition of the cervix, and examine the discharge from the genital organs. A reliable method to identify the existing threat is transvaginal ultrasound diagnostics. The doctor draws attention to segmental muscle contractions of the uterus, detachment of the fetal egg. Genetic testing will help analyze the likely causes of a miscarriage. The patient's history is carefully collected.

    Medical therapy

    Any method is useful to maintain pregnancy. A qualified doctor develops an individual treatment protocol based on the available diagnostic data. Drugs used may include:

    • sedatives;
    • restorative therapy;
    • hormone stabilizing drugs;
    • uterine antispasmodics;
    • vitamin and mineral supplements.

    The specialist eliminates the threat of miscarriage in the early stages, tells how to prevent a relapse. In the later stages, the cervix is ​​fixed with a special suturing (usually for a period of 16-25 weeks, if there is an ICI).

    In case of an unsuccessful attempt to stop a spontaneous abortion, the following treatment tactics are used:
    • Waiting - an organism that has freed itself from an embryo does not require specialized treatment.
    • Drug therapy - the patient is prescribed drugs that complete the removal of foreign tissues from the body. By causing severe spasms of the muscular walls of the uterus, the tablets provoke the expulsion of residues from the cavity.
    • Surgery - is used in case of complications or inconvenient for the independent exit of the fetus, the bending of the uterus.

    Curettage

    Having symptoms of a miscarriage in early pregnancy and faced with the need for a curettage (gynecological cleansing), a woman worries about the state of her reproductive system. It is not worth doing this, the operation takes place in a gentle mode, with maximum delicacy in relation to the patient's childbearing ability. Curettage is performed when there is a risk of incomplete exit of the embryo from the uterine cavity and the development of infection in the pelvic organs due to the elements remaining in it. Ignoring the procedure can lead to blood poisoning and the formation of a pathology that prevents re-conception.

    Vacuum aspiration, however, is performed more frequently, which is more gentle. The complex application of the method with hysteroscopy allows you to carefully examine the internal contents of the uterus in order to prevent poorly cleaned areas on the mucous membrane.

    Preparation for gynecological cleaning (curettage)

    Gynecological cleaning is carried out for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes for various indications :

    • after childbirth;
    • in missed pregnancy, miscarriages;
    • for menstrual irregularities;
    • for accurate diagnosis of gynecological disorders.

    Curettage is recommended a few days before the onset of menstruation. In this case, blood loss decreases and a favorable prognosis for rapid tissue recovery is given. The operation requires a preliminary examination, testing. This is :

    • complete blood count;
    • blood coagulation test;
    • smear for examination of the bacteriological environment;
    • analysis for STIs.

    Before curettage, you stop taking any medications, dietary supplements that have not been discussed with a specialist. Even plant components that can affect blood clotting and provoke blood loss during surgery can be dangerous. Your healthcare provider should be made aware of the medications you are taking so that they know what risks may arise.

    Rules for preparing for the procedure:
    • refrain from sexual intercourse three days before the operation;
    • avoid the use of intimate hygiene products (gels, creams, ointments, liquids), suppositories, tablets and vaginal sprays;
    • Do not douche;
    • Do not eat or drink 10 hours before surgery. This is necessary for high-quality anesthesia.

    Cleaning

    Curettage is carried out in a hospital, the woman is placed on the gynecological chair of the operating room. The doctor removes the upper layer of the mucous lining the uterine cavity from the inside. The exclusion of pain involves anesthesia. If there were signs of miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy or at a later period, after which it spontaneously terminated, the dilated cervix allows for curettage without anesthesia. For anesthesia, intravenous administration of the drug is used, selected individually, taking into account the characteristics of the patient's body. A few seconds after the injection, the woman falls into a shallow sleep, the discomfort disappears, which makes the doctor's actions painless.

    A dilator inserted into the cervix straightens the walls of the organ, facilitating access to the internal cavity. Holding the neck, the specialist inserts a rounded probe with a small diameter, after which he replaces it with a more voluminous analogue. A special video camera attached to the end of the probe allows for hysteroscopy - examination of the cavity before curettage. Cleaning is done with a curette, shaped like a small spoon on a long handle. Carefully collected tissues are stored in a specialized sterile tube, which is later sent to the laboratory for histological examination.

    The procedure rarely takes more than one hour, usually 20 minutes is enough for the doctor. Together with the cavity, the cervical canal is cleaned. Manipulations are called RDV - separate diagnostic curettage. Collected samples are placed separately. Histology is used to identify the structure of tissues in order to exclude the presence of atypical cells in them, indicating cancerous lesions, precancerous conditions. The study is carried out within two weeks, after receiving the results, the woman revisits the gynecologist for a follow-up examination.

    Curettage is often carried out for diagnostic purposes to determine the symptoms of pathological conditions in the functioning of the organs of the reproductive system. These can be:

    • irregular cycle;
    • voluminous discharge and painful menstruation;
    • bleeding during menopause;
    • difficulties in conceiving in the absence of visible causes of pathology;
    • suggestion of developing uterine cancer.

    Possible complications

    Complications can occur, as after any surgical intervention. A serious consequence is the discovery of uterine bleeding. In order to prevent it, oxytocin is used - injections stimulate the cessation of abnormal blood flow. Oxytocin will help if the bleeding is due to insufficient contraction of the uterus. In violation of blood clotting, it is ineffective.

    Another complication of is hematometra, when blood clots accumulate in the uterine cavity, which can cause an inflammatory process in the tissues. It is caused by a spasm of the cervix that occurred immediately after cleaning, which interferes with the evacuation of blood. Experts recommend the use of antispasmodics that relax the muscles of the organ and contribute to the normal outflow of blood. A woman should be alerted by pulling pains in the lower abdomen and a sharp cessation of discharge.

    After cleansing, endometritis may occur when inflammation affects the lining of the uterus. A measure of therapy for a dangerous diagnosis is a course of antibiotics. Pain in the abdomen and a sharp increase in body temperature testify to the pathology. Any dangerous change in condition should be reported to the doctor immediately. In this case, countermeasures will be taken in a timely manner, which will eliminate the risks of developing more formidable complications.

    How to behave after a miscarriage

    A miscarriage that has occurred requires a certain tactic of behavior. Among the measures recommended by doctors:

    1. It is advisable to postpone a new pregnancy attempt for 3-6 months . Otherwise, the risk of repeating the undesirable development of events is high. If pregnancy occurs before the expiration date, there is no need to panic. The main thing is the supervision of a specialist.
    2. If you are waiting for , ask for advice on effective contraception.
    3. Follow your doctor's advice .
    4. Complete the required examinations , get tested.

    Consult what effect the medicines you take will have on the fetus if you become pregnant during therapy. Find out after what period of time you can fearlessly try to conceive a child.

    How to detect genetic pathologies during repeated pregnancy

    If a miscarriage of the first pregnancy occurs due to a genetic factor, it is especially scary to decide on a second one. But you should not be afraid of this, with a well-designed therapy, the chances of success are more than great. Diagnostic procedures today are highly accurate and allow you to identify pathology in the early stages. Examination in this case is mandatory, as well as the following:

    • who are over 35;
    • has screening changes;
    • who had markers of chromosomal pathologies and malformations of the embryo;
    • who already have children with chromosomal abnormalities.

    Ultrasound diagnostics can detect malformations in 80-85% of cases. However, the technology is not impeccably reliable, as it misses pathologies in 20% of situations. Biochemical screening, invasive examinations have valid data. The latest version of the study allows you to identify up to 99% anomalies. No less popular is the high-precision PANORAMA test for determining DNA pathologies.

    When planning a new pregnancy, it is imperative to visit a geneticist. Screening diagnostics for the detection of abnormal genes will help eliminate the risks of possible pathologies, the factor of heredity and genetic failure during conception. Sometimes the threat of miscarriage in the early stages exists in almost healthy carriers. The examination will allow you to find out about the anomaly in advance and undergo treatment.

    Planning a new pregnancy

    The medical community is unanimous in the issue of planning a new pregnancy after a spontaneous abortion. Conception is not recommended for at least 3-6 months. During this period, the woman's body will recover and gain strength to bear the fetus. Observation by a doctor, harmonization of hormonal levels, examination of parents to identify possible pathologies are important. In order not to become pregnant in the first months, it is recommended to use contraceptive methods prescribed by your doctor.

    Examination after a miscarriage includes blood and urine tests, examination of the microflora of the vagina with a smear, detection of overt and latent genital infections, glucose and hormone testing, examination of partners for biological compatibility. Planning is an important step towards having a healthy baby. After the studies, the woman is prescribed strengthening therapy. It is important to completely reconsider eating habits, to exclude factors that are harmful to well-being. Vitamins, folic acid are used. Fast food, food containing carcinogens and preservatives are excluded from the diet. Subject to the rules recommended by the doctor, a successful pregnancy with a favorable outcome is likely.

    It is not uncommon for a pregnancy test to show two lines after a miscarriage. This is due to the restructuring of the body, the organs of the reproductive system. It is important to report the incident to your doctor. The presence of remnants of embryonic tissue in the uterus can provoke a positive test result. In this case, immediate curettage is necessary, which neutralizes the risk of inflammation and infection. To accurately determine her condition, a woman needs to undergo an ultrasound diagnosis, take tests to determine hCG in the blood.

    The question of whether it is possible to get pregnant after a miscarriage worries many parents. The answer is unequivocal - yes, if you follow the recommendations of experts, carefully plan a new conception, monitor your well-being and state of your health.

    Components of success after a miscarriage

    Spontaneous abortion can provoke not only the health of the patient, but non-compliance with simple rules can become a threat. To reduce the risk of losing a child during pregnancy, required:

    1. Keep calm - it is important for a mother to exclude from her life all the factors that make her nervous. Irritation is not the best way to normalize the condition. In order to stabilize the emotional background, rest is recommended, the use of soothing teas with the permission of the doctor. Good results are given by decoctions of chamomile, lemon balm, mint.

    2. Avoid taking unnecessary medicines and preparations. But it is unacceptable to stop the therapy prescribed by the doctor on your own. Each step must be discussed with the gynecologist.

    3. Eliminate harmful occupational factors. Work in the chemical industry and other hazardous facilities can create an undesirable background in the body, which prevents normal gestation. It is important to understand what is of great value to the mother - the birth of a healthy baby or a career factor. Many refuse to work to increase the chance of having a baby.

    4. Eliminate bad habits. It is unacceptable for a woman who has experienced miscarriage to drink alcohol and smoke. It is forbidden to do this and the future father. This negatively affects the quality of spermatozoa, provokes difficulties with conception and risks of deviations in the development of the embryo.

    5. Take vitamin complexes, specially designed to prepare the body for pregnancy, the formation of basic conditions for its favorable course.

    6. Eat right. A complete, balanced diet works wonders. With a lack of weight, a nutritionist will develop an adequate diet for a woman with the inclusion of a large amount of protein foods rich in vitamins and trace elements of vegetables, fruits, and cereals. Recommended fats contained in fish, seeds, nuts, avocados, olives.

    7. Get rid of extra pounds. Obesity adversely affects the development of pregnancy. Science has proven that enhanced nutrition during this period is not required. The main thing is its balance.

    Infections during pregnancy

    Infectious processes transferred before pregnancy develop immunity in the mother to similar agents of influence. Primary infection poses a great threat, so vaccination will be useful before planning conception. Perinatal diagnosis allows you to detect the infectious process at the initial stage and prevent its harmful effects. This is possible if the pregnant woman is registered from an early date.

    Infection may develop due to an infection transmitted by airborne droplets. It is the most dangerous, since it is almost impossible to prevent it. This applies to mumps, measles, rubella. HIV and hepatitis infect the body through sexual contact, similar to chlamydia. Listeriosis is transmitted with poor-quality products. A pregnant woman can pass infections to a developing baby. Pathology is determined by profile tests of latent infection.

    Routine pregnancy monitoring involves regular testing. Sexual infections are determined using a smear, ultrasound shows deviations in the development of the baby, and KGT is aimed at listening to the work of the fetal heart muscle. If there is a suspicion of a serious infection of the embryo, blood sampling from the umbilical cord and amniotic fluid analysis are practiced.

    Infection of a child also depends on concomitant factors. The speed of diagnosis, the literacy of the treatment, the type of pathogen, the duration of the pregnancy are taken into account. The following infectious processes deserve special attention:

    1. Viral etiology - a huge number of viruses poses a danger to a pregnant woman. The threat is genital herpes, rubella, infectious type erythema, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, chickenpox.

    2. Bacterial infections, detected during the analysis of biological materials (feces, urine, blood), examination of certain organs of the body. Active reproduction provokes a rapid growth in the number of bacteria in the vagina. Not all microorganisms pose a threat to the child. Dangerous candidiasis, streptococcus, chlamydia, bacterial vaginosis, cystitis.

    The successful course of pregnancy is threatened by intestinal infections, often activated in the summer. Their carriers can be animals and poorly processed food before consumption. Of particular danger are listeriosis, salmonellosis, toxoplasmosis.

    Prevention of infections during pregnancy

    Infection of the mother threatens the life of the fetus. From the 3rd to the 12th week, the infected organism responds with a miscarriage or the formation of malformations of the child. From the 11th to the 25th - developmental delay. At a later date, organs are deformed and prerequisites for premature birth are created. In order to prevent intrauterine infection, it is recommended to apply a number of rules:

    • be examined for the detection of STIs;
    • examine blood, determine the presence of antibodies to infection carriers, pathogens;
    • avoid contact with sick people, visits to crowded places where there is a possibility of infection by airborne droplets;
    • Examine pets for dangerous infections and, if necessary, treat them or remove them from the home until the threat is eliminated;
    • to exclude fast food, store-bought semi-finished products from the diet, subject meat and fish to thorough heat treatment;
    • remove from the diet sushi and other culinary delights purchased in restaurants, cafes;
    • thoroughly wash hands, fruits, vegetables with special disinfectants that are not capable of harming a pregnant woman and a child;
    • it is planned to visit a gynecologist, undergo examinations recommended by a doctor, take tests, take vitamins;
    • register at the first sign of pregnancy;
    • prepare for conception, cure infections, vaccinate.

    It is also important for the child's father to follow most of the recommended rules. If only the mother undergoes treatment, a relapse is likely during sexual intercourse, neutralizing the beneficial effect of therapy.

    A woman who has had a miscarriage in the past should be alert to any deviations from the norm in her state of health. It is important to pay attention to ailments, pain, weakness, dizziness. Accounting for an early consultation will create conditions for the bearing of the fetus and the birth of a child. There is no need to be afraid that a miscarriage will forever deprive the joy of motherhood.

    Having completed a course of examinations, passing tests and following the measures prescribed by the doctor to treat imbalances in the body, you will create all the conditions for a favorable pregnancy outcome. Tune in to the positive, protect yourself from worries, worries, stress. Feel the support of loved ones, hope for the best! Get advice from good specialists to rule out any unfavorable prognosis before conception or take steps to neutralize them. Health and prosperity to you, your families and loved ones!

    Why test positive after miscarriage

    Complain

    November 30, 2015 09:35

    girls how many days weeks after the miscarriage the test was //. 3 weeks have passed and he //(((

    Rubric Problems during pregnancy

    0 5719118

    Comments

    Expert answer

    April 15, 2019

    Natalya Levina

    Pediatrician

    Why is a pregnancy test positive after a miscarriage

    To find out why the test is positive despite the fact that there is no pregnancy, be sure to contact your doctor. Do not self-prescribe medications and self-medicate. You will be given a blood test for hCG. He will determine the exact concentration of this hormone, which will help the doctor choose the right response tactics.
    Possible causes
    A positive test after a miscarriage may be due to:
    The presence of hCG in the blood. This hormone appears when the fetal egg attaches to the uterus. A miscarriage has a serious impact on the hormonal background of women, because of which the body does not have time to recover quickly.
    Incomplete removal of the embryo. If the fetal egg is only partially out of the uterine cavity, the body continues to produce the hCG hormone. He gives a positive test result. The body needs time for the biologically active substance to gradually leave the blood.
    The least common test a month after a miscarriage shows two strips due to the fact that a woman is on a strict diet, takes a number of medications, and suffers from kidney pathologies. To determine the exact cause of this phenomenon, a woman needs to undergo a comprehensive diagnostic examination. You need to prepare for it in advance, the doctor will tell you how many days you need to follow certain rules. Only by the results it is possible to determine the state of the body.

    The pregnancy test is not the last resort in diagnosing pregnancy.

    Learn more