Early Pregnancy Problems

Bleeding in early pregnancy (cont.)
A dedicated early pregnancy unit, set up to deal with complications that present with symptoms of vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain, is invaluable in modern day practice. Following carefully established guidelines, and with dedicated medical and nursing staff, women can be investigated, using examination, biochemical testing and transvaginal ultrasound. Women with non-viable pregnancies may be cared for in a supportive environment, with the help of trained counselling staff, while those with progressing pregnancies may be reassured and special needs such as administering anti-D immunoglobulin attended to.

Miscarriage
Even though about one in four pregnancy ends in miscarriage, it is usually difficult to determine the cause. Many women are left asking the question why? and find it hard to accept that no-one can give a definite answer. It is very unlikely to have been caused by anything you did - miscarriage is very rarely anyone's fault. If you have bleeding in early pregnancy you should attend an early pregnancy assessment unit, (see 'Early pregnancy assessment').

The main causes of miscarriage are thought to be:
Genetic problems, Hormones, Immune system, Infections, Womb problems. (Each cause explained in further detail on next page)