What is a Incomplete Miscarriage (Incomplete Abortion)?

A incomplete miscarriage (incomplete abortion) occurs when all the products of conception are not expelled through the cervix prior to the 20th week of pregnancy.  Approximately 85% of incomplete miscarriages (incomplete abortions) occur before the 12th week of pregnancy.

Signs and Symptoms of Incomplete Miscarriage (Incomplete Abortion)

A incomplete miscarriage (incomplete abortion) will have heavy vaginal bleeding which is the most common sign and symptom, but also majority will have significant abdominal / pelvic pain.  Other signs and symptoms are abdominal cramping, a large amount of fluid that is discharged from the vagina, and pain or pressure in the lower back or pelvis.  Blood clots and fragments fo products of conception are usually expelled through the vagina as well.  In a incomplete miscarriage (incomplete abortion) the entire products of conception are not expelled and the cervical os (cervical opening) is open.  The importance of the open cervial os in a incomplete miscarriage (incomplete abortion) is that it means all the products of conception have not passed through the cervix.  With a incomplete miscarriage (incomplete abortion) a ultrasound will show portion of the products of conception still retained inside the uterus.  Also the hCG level will be decreasing with serial blood draws.  To learn more Go To Signs and Symptoms of Miscarriage. 

Causes of Incomplete Miscarriage (Incomplete Abortion)

There are several causes for a incomplete miscarriage (incomplete abortion) and it depends on when during the pregnancy the miscarriage occurs.  Due to the fact that most incomplete miscarriages (incomplete abortions) occur within the first twelve weeks of gestation the cause is most commonly due to chromosomal abnormalities within the fetus.  These chromosomal abnormalities can be due to several factors including poor quality sperm or egg, abnormal cell division of the fetus, and / or genetic abnormalities of either mother or father.  Other causes of a incomplete miscarriage (incomplete abortion) include infection (ie. Chlamydia, Cytomegalovirus, Genital herpes, Syphilis, Toxoplasmosis, and Rubella), abnormal uterine anatomy (ie. unicornate uterus or septate uterus), abnormal hormonal levels within the mother (ie. low progesterone), systemic illnesses (ie. untreated thyroid disease or diabetes), immune disorders, and substance abuse.  To learn more about the causes Go To Cause of Miscarriage.

Treatment of Incomplete Miscarriage (Incomplete Abortion)

A incomplete miscarriage (incomplete abortion) requires medical intervention.  The treatment option fo a incomplete miscarriage (incomplete abortion) is a D&C (dilatation & curettage).  A D&C entails a women going into the hospital and having anesthesia while an obstitrician dialates her cervix and curetts (scrapes) the uterine lining to ensure complete removal of all products of conception.  This is done for a incomplete miscarriage (incomplete abortion) to prevent infections and other associated complications.  The other treatment that must be performed for an incomplete miscarriage (incomplete abortion) is serial hCG levels to ensure that the levels continue to go down.  Another difficult part of a incomplete miscarriage (incomplete abortion) is the emotional aspect and coping with the miscarriage.  If a couple has experienced several early miscarriages (2-3) there is genetic counseling available through their physician.  To learn more Go To Treatment of Miscarriage.

It is recommended that a couple wait at least one regular menstrual cycle before trying to conceive again after a incomplete miscarriage (incomplete abortion).