A second trimester miscarriage can be especially difficult as the pregnancy has moved beyond the initial weeks. It can also lead to bodily symptoms and a lot of emotional distress. Knowing the potential causes, warning signs, diagnosis, treatment and recovery can help you know what to expect.
Second trimester miscarriage: what it is
The second trimester is usually considered weeks 13 through 27 of pregnancy. During this time, a miscarriage is a pregnancy loss that takes place during these weeks.
A pregnancy loss in the second trimester is less common than miscarriage in the first trimester. Symptoms and medical management may be different from an early miscarriage as the pregnancy is further along
Symptoms of a Second Trimester Miscarriage
Possible signs:
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Cramping in the abdomen or pelvis
- Pain or pressure in the lower back
- Vaginal fluid leaking
- Changes in the symptoms of pregnancy
- More pelvic pressure or contractions
Not every symptom is a sign of a miscarriage. For example, bleeding or abdominal pain may have other causes in pregnancy. If you experience any troubling symptoms, see your healthcare provider right away.
What Causes Miscarriage in the Second Trimester?
There are a number of possible causes of a second trimester miscarriage and sometimes no cause can be found.
Possible factors are:
- Issues with the cervix, such as an incompetent cervix
- Uterine abnormalities
- Some infections
- Problems with the placenta
- Chromosomal or genetic conditions
- Some maternal health problems
- Problems during the course of the pregnancy
Some pregnancy losses occur despite appropriate prenatal care. Tests may be suggested following a loss to identify possible contributing factors.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis may be made by physical examination and ultrasound. Depending on symptoms and circumstances, healthcare professionals may also use blood tests or other investigations.
The aim is to find out whether the pregnancy is over and whether there are any complications that need treatment.
Health Care and Treatment
How it is handled depends on the situation. If a pregnancy loss is confirmed, healthcare providers may discuss options to complete the process safely.
Treatment may involve letting the body pass the pregnancy on its own, medications prescribed by a health care professional, or a medical procedure if necessary.
If there is severe bleeding, infection or other complication, prompt medical attention may be required.
Recovery after a second trimester miscarriage
Physical recovery is different. Bleeding, cramping, fatigue and other symptoms can continue for some time after the loss of a pregnancy. Follow-up care can help keep recovery on track.
Emotional recovery is important too. Second trimester pregnancy loss can leave you feeling grief, sadness, anger, guilt, or anxiety. They are valid and speaking to someone you trust, a support group or a licensed mental health professional can help.
Will it happen again?
One miscarriage does not mean the next pregnancy will have the same outcome. In some cases, a healthcare professional may investigate the cause of a loss in the second trimester, and talk about care that may be appropriate in a future pregnancy.
When to get immediate medical help
If a particular medical condition has contributed to the loss, treatment or monitoring of that condition may be part of care for any future pregnancy.
Get medical help right away if you have heavy vaginal bleeding, severe or worsening abdominal pain, fluid leaking from the vagina, fainting, severe dizziness, fever or feeling very unwell during your pregnancy.
Prompt assessment is important because some pregnancy complications need treatment right away.
Conclusion
A second trimester miscarriage is a physically and emotionally difficult experience. There are many possible reasons for this, sometimes the reason is unknown. A proper medical evaluation can help with treatment and recovery and help determine if additional care may be helpful in a future pregnancy.
If you are pregnant and have bleeding, pain, fluid leaking, or other symptoms that concern you, contact a health care professional right away.