Miscarriage: Difference between revisions
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
| Line 6: | Line 6: | ||
===Pathophysiology=== | ===Pathophysiology=== | ||
The exactly physiology of miscarriage is poorly understood, and varies due to various causes. | The exactly physiology of miscarriage is poorly understood, and varies due to various causes. Basically, the main cause is either a problem with the foetus, which presents at a point, say 4 weeks in, and the pregnancy terminates; or a problem with the mother, such as structural or hormonal abnormalities. | ||
===Risk Factors=== | ===Risk Factors=== | ||
Revision as of 13:21, 22 October 2008
Definition
When a mother loses a baby naturally. It occurs before the 20th week of pregnancy, and is the most common complication of early pregnancy. When a mother experiences 3 or more, it is referred to as recurrent miscarriage.
Epidemiology
It is difficult to assess accurately, but around 15% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. This doesn't include those that end before the women realises she is pregnant.
Pathophysiology
The exactly physiology of miscarriage is poorly understood, and varies due to various causes. Basically, the main cause is either a problem with the foetus, which presents at a point, say 4 weeks in, and the pregnancy terminates; or a problem with the mother, such as structural or hormonal abnormalities.