Miscarriage
Symptoms
Miscarriages occur in about fifteen percent of all pregnancies. This spontaneous loss of the fetus is more likely in the first three months of pregnancy, during which time it usually poses little risk to the health of the mother. Swollen glands, aching muscles and low-grade fevers can indicate toxoplasmosis, a disease which causes miscarriages, stillbirth and serious birth defects. The emotional impact can be very traumatic for either parent. A miscarriage in the last three months is a shock both emotionally and physically. Losing a child at this point in the pregnancy can threaten the life of the mother as well and should be treated as a medical emergency.
Any vaginal bleeding or spotting during pregnancy is considered a threatened miscarriage. About half of those who experience some bleeding will miscarry. If the cervix is dilated, the miscarriage cannot be prevented. Abdominal cramps during pregnancy should also be treated as serious. A missed miscarriage occurs if the fetus dies inside the womb but is not miscarried. If the usual indications of pregnancy disappear, it suggests a missed miscarriage; this condition is also life-threatening for the mother. Any indications of a miscarriage should be investigated and the guidance of a professional throughout is highly recommended.
Expressing strong emotions after a miscarriage is a normal part of grieving. Grief often includes feelings of guilt, anger, low self-esteem or other strong emotions. Each partner will be affected differently, and each will deal with it differently. Generally, it is not recommended to become pregnant again too soon, from both an emotional and physical perspective.
Miscarriage Causes
Miscarriage is often the body's natural response to an abnormally developing fetus. Unless an accident is severe, miscarriage is not usually the result of a physical injury to the mother, since the fetus is well padded and protected. Sexual intercourse does not cause miscarriage under normal circumstances, but cervical instability will instigate it, when the cervical opening is weak or has been injured by a former pregnancy.
Other causes include a physical abnormality of the uterus, an underactive thyroid or a viral infection. The underlying causes of many miscarriages and of abnormal fetus development are not known. Toxic pesticides in foods and chemicals in the water and environment are implicated. Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite spread by cat feces. Changing kitty litter is a potential source of infection. Nutritional imbalances also play a role. High dosages of vitamin A are responsible for birth defects and miscarriages in some cases.
Miscarriage Nutrition
Nutrient deficiency due to low calorie or protein intake can be an underlying cause of miscarriage. While it is important not to overeat during pregnancy, it is equally important that the diet consist of adequate amounts of whole, nourishing food, including plenty of green, leafy vegetables, fruits and whole grains. The fetus competes with the mother for nutrients, and will be starved if there is insufficient nourishment available. Vitamin E, called the fertility vitamin, assists the endocrine glands, which play a considerable part in the development and function of the reproductive organs. Wheat germ is the best dietary source of vitamin E. Every three and a half ounces of wheat germ contains as much as one ounce of pure vitamin E. Avoid artificial sweeteners and preservatives.
Miscarriage Nutritional Supplements
Proper nutrition is essential during pregnancy and the health of both the mother and child are dependent on a wholesome diet. All medications should be avoided if possible.
Vitamin C with bioflavonoids is thought to prevent miscarriages and premature labor by strengthening blood vessels. Vitamin E helps prevent miscarriages in those who have repeated problems, since it acts to balance the hormonal system. The B vitamin folic acid is often recommended because it can serve to prevent birth defects. The entire B complex should be added. Antibiotics destroy the beneficial intestinal bacteria and deplete the B vitamins and vitamin K. Lack of vitamin K can increase susceptibility to bleeding. Green foods and green food supplements are excellent sources of vitamin K.
Daily dosages:
Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg
Vitamin B complex, 50 mg
Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU
Folic acid, 400 mcg with 3 tbsp. fortified yeast supplements
Green food supplements, 1 tbsp.
Prenatal multivitamin with minerals as directed by a physician
Miscarriage Herbal Remedies
When the ovaries do not produce enough progesterone and the estrogen level remains too high, the baby is put in jeopardy. Herbal remedies can normalize these essential hormones.
Ginseng and sarsaparilla can help the body to produce progesterone. Take 1 capsule of sarsaparilla or a mixture of both.
Natural progesterone cream helps balance progesterone levels. Rub it into fatty tissue areas such as the hips and thighs for optimal absorption.
Throughout the day, sip a tea made from Mexican wild yam, ginger, winter clover and raspberry leaves to help prevent miscarriage. Add 1 tsp. of herbs to 1 cup of boiling water, steep, strain and drink 3 cups daily.
Miscarriage Homeopathy
Treatment of a miscarriage should always be guided by a professional. The remedies below can be used while waiting for help, using the 6c strength and repeating every fifteen minutes for three doses then hourly as needed until the bleeding stops. One dose is 2 tablets placed under the tongue.
If an accident has caused shock or physical injury, Arnica will be of help.
Aconite is an alternative; if a shock has caused fright with great anxiety and restlessness.
Choose Belladonna if the bleeding is bright red and the pains are terrible, and worsened by the least jarring motion. The face is typically hot and red.
Pulsatilla is recommended if the bleeding stops but recurs, worsening each time. The pains are cramping, the blood is dark and clotted.
Sabina is often indicated in miscarriages, when the bleeding is bright red, mixed with clots and pain gets worse from motion. Use Sabina when the pains extend from the lower back to the pubic area. Sabina also helps if the placenta is retained after a miscarriage.
Miscarriage External/Physical Therapies
Eliminate unnecessary stresses the first three to four months of pregnancy, including community commitments, trips to the library, and grocery shopping.
Night shift work can increase the risk of a miscarriage. Interrupting the twenty-four-hour cycle of sleep and working produces hormonal imbalances, which can interfere with fetal development.
Miscarriage will sometimes occur after a fall, as a result of placenta detachment.
Do not apply vaginal douches when pregnant. Douching has led to ectopic pregnancies and, in addition, some of the chemicals found in douches endanger the health of the fetus.
Miscarriage Available Brand Name Products
Nutritional Supplements
Ascorbate/Non-acidic Vitamin C (Ester-C)
Multi Element Buffered C
(Klaire Laboratories)
C Extra (Natural Factors)
E 400 IU Mixed Tocopherol 100% Natural (Natural Factors)
Hi Potency Multi (Natural Factors)
Super Multi Plus (Natural Factors)
Ultra Multi Plus (Natural Factors)
Herbal Remedies
Alfalfa Leaves (Nature's Herbs)
Ginseng-Power, Siberian
(Nature's Herbs)
Sarsaparilla Root (Nature's Herbs)
Homeopathy
Aconite (Nelsons Homeopathy)
Arnica (Nelsons Homeopathy)
Belladonna (Nelsons Homeopathy)
Pulsatilla (Nelsons Homeopathy)
