Overview
When a pregnancy aborts on its own before 20 weeks, it is referred to as a miscarriage. It usually happens when the fetus does not develop as it should.
When a pregnancy aborts on its own before 20 weeks, it is referred to as a miscarriage. It usually happens when the fetus does not develop as it should.
When a miscarriage happens and the tissue is not removed fully from the uterus, it could lead to a condition called septic miscarriage. Here, the remnant tissue gets infected by bacteria. The mother might experience fever, chills, pain in the lower abdomen and vaginal discharge that has a bad odor. A septic miscarriage is a serious condition that requires emergency treatment. Left untreated, it could lead to septic shock and even organ failure.
Once the miscarriage takes place, an ultrasound will be done to check if the uterus is completely clear.
Sometimes, the doctor may recommend a surgery called D&C (dilatation and curettage). It is a short procedure done when the bleeding is heavy, when there are warning signs of infection or if the mother experiences pain. During the procedure, the doctor will remove tissue remnants from the uterus.