An incomplete miscarriage is when a pregnancy ends, but not all of the pregnancy tissue passes out of the uterus. This leaves some tissue in the uterus that can cause continued bleeding, cramping and other complications if not treated. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of incomplete miscarriage so you can get prompt medical attention and recover safely.
An incomplete miscarriage can be very distressing but treatments are available and most women recover physically with proper care.
Incomplete Miscarriage Incomplete Miscarriage: What It Is
An incomplete miscarriage is a pregnancy loss that occurs when some of the pregnancy tissue has passed, but some of the tissue remains in the uterus. An incomplete miscarriage is when the uterus doesn’t empty itself fully and some tissue is left in the uterus. You may need medication or a minor surgical procedure to help remove this tissue.
A doctor can confirm the diagnosis with a physical exam and imaging tests.
Symptoms of Incomplete Miscarriage
Symptoms of incomplete miscarriage can vary in severity from woman to woman. Common signs include:
1. Heavy or Prolonged Vaginal Bleeding
One of the most common incomplete miscarriage symptoms is bleeding that lasts longer than expected or becomes very heavy. You could see bright red blood, large blood clots, or bleeding that gets worse over time.
2. Abdominal cramps
Cramping is normal with a miscarriage but if the cramping continues or gets worse this could mean you still have some pregnancy tissue in your uterus. You may feel pain like bad menstrual cramps, or the pain may get worse over time.
3. Blood Clotting
It is normal to pass blood clots when you miscarry. But if you keep passing large clots and heavy bleeding for a long time it could be a sign of retained tissue.
4. Pain in the Lower Back
Some women will have continued cramping and bleeding and lower back pain. This can cause pain that may continue until the rest of the tissue is passed or removed.
5. Dilated cervix
During a medical exam, a health care provider may notice that the cervix is still open. This is just the miscarriage continuing.
6. Fever or Foul-Smelling Discharge
Signs of infection, although less common, include fever, chills or bad-smelling vaginal discharge. These are serious symptoms of incomplete miscarriage. Go to the hospital immediately.
How do doctors diagnose an Incomplete Miscarriage?
If your health care provider believes there is still tissue from the pregnancy remaining, he or she may recommend:
- A physical examination
- A pelvic examination
- An ultrasound scan to check the uterus
- Blood tests to measure pregnancy hormone (hCG) levels
The tests are done to check for any leftover tissue from the pregnancy and to help choose the best treatment.
Treatment Choices
The care you receive will depend on your symptoms, overall health and how much tissue you have left.
Expectant Management
If the bleeding is light and you have no signs of infection, your healthcare provider may suggest waiting for the rest of the tissue to pass naturally.
Medicine
Medicine can be given to help the uterus contract and expel the remaining tissue more quickly.
Operation
If the bleeding is heavy, there is infection or tissue left behind after the medication, a dilation and curettage (D&C) may be recommended.
Your health care provider will go over the pros and cons of each option with you.
Possible Complications
Incomplete miscarriage can lead to the following complications if not treated:
- Heavy bleeding
- Infected
- Extended pain
- Products of conception retained
- Gradual recovery
Early treatment greatly reduces the chances of these complications.
After Treatment Recovery
Most women recover physically in a few weeks. You might experience in recovery:
- Light bleeding or spotting
- Mild cramping
- Fatigue Emotional roller coaster
Most women get their periods back within four to six weeks, but it varies from woman to woman.
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When to Seek Emergency Care
If you have: visit the emergency department
- Heavy bleeding (soaking through two or more sanitary pads per hour for two hours in a row)
- Severe stomach ache
- Temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees C) or above
- Chills
- Vaginal discharge with bad smell
- Dizziness or faintness, such that you feel faint
The symptoms might be warning signs of serious complications needing immediate treatment.
Emotional Healing
Healing your emotions is as important as healing your body. It is normal to feel sad, grieving, angry or anxious after a pregnancy loss. You might find it helpful to talk to loved ones, join a support group or seek counselling to help you cope during this difficult time.
Conclusion
Understanding incomplete miscarriage symptoms is important in order to help safeguard your health following pregnancy loss. Contact your health care provider right away if you have heavy or prolonged bleeding, cramping that won’t stop, passing large blood clots, lower back pain, or any signs of infection.
However, with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most women do well and are able to safely plan further pregnancies when they are physically and emotionally ready. If you have any concerns after a miscarriage, be sure to discuss them with your health care provider for advice and care.