[Characteristics of miscarriage and women's rights after pregnancy loss]

Ann Acad Med Stetin. 2013;59(1):123-9.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

The term "miscarriage" refers to the end of pregnancy before the 22nd week of gestation, or taking into account the criterion of foetal weight (less than 500 g). Approximately 15-20% of recognized pregnancies and miscarriage involve spontaneous expulsion of the blastocyst from the uterine cavity. This constitutes about 80% of miscarriages in the first 12 weeks of gestation. The literature lists a number of factors which cause the loss of pregnancies. The most frequently cited causes of abortion are: genetic, anatomical, immunological and hormonal factors, and infections. A large number of miscarriages remain unexplained (idiopathic miscarriages). Clinical signs of miscarriage include bleeding and pain. Bleeding or spotting is the earliest sign of miscarriage. Data from the patient's history, physical examination, ultrasound examination and tests for hCG level can enable diagnosis of bleeding in early pregnancy, help to assess the degree of risk, and implement an appropriate treatment regimen and care for pregnant women adapted to their needs. Loss of pregnancy is an interdisciplinary problem involving obstetrics, epidemiology, public health, psychology, and other specialities. The role of medical personnel in the care of women after the loss of a child, regardless of the week and therapeutic procedures, as well as for giving adequate information regarding the rights of women after pregnancy loss. The obligation to inform women of their rights concerns medical staff, and it is important to promote knowledge in this field among doctors, nurses and midwives who care for women after miscarriage.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Spontaneous / diagnosis*
  • Abortion, Spontaneous / epidemiology*
  • Abortion, Spontaneous / prevention & control
  • Abortion, Spontaneous / psychology
  • Adult
  • Causality
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Informed Consent* / psychology
  • Patient Advocacy* / psychology
  • Physician-Patient Relations
  • Poland / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Women's Rights*