What is a Complete Miscarriage (Spontaneous Abortion)?

A complete miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) occurs when all the products of conception are expelled through the cervix prior to the 20th week of pregnancy.  Most complete miscarriages (spontaneous abortions) occur before the 12th week of pregnancy.

Signs and Symptoms of Complete Miscarriage (Spontaneous Abortion)

A complete miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) will have vaginal bleeding which is the most common sign and symptom of miscarriage.  Other signs and symptoms are abdominal cramping, a large amount of fluid that is discharged from the vagina, and pain or pressure in the lower back or pelvis.  With a complete miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) the vaginal bleeding is usually heavier than a normal menstrual cycle.  Blood clots and fragments fo products of conception are usually expelled through the vagina as well.  In a complete miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) the entire products of conception are expelled and the cervical os (cervical opening) is closed.  The importance of the closed cervial os in a complete miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) is that it means all the products of conception have passed through the cervix.  However, there still needs to be close follow up to ensure that there are no complications from the complete miscarriage (spontaneous abortion).  To learn more Go To Signs and Symptoms of Miscarriage. 

Causes of Complete Miscarriage (Spontaneous Abortion)

There are several causes for a complete miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) and it depends on when during the pregnancy the miscarriage occurs.  Due to the fact that most complete miscarriages (spontaneous abortions) occur within the first twelve weeks of gestation the cause is most commonly due to chromosomal abnormalities within the fetus.  These chromosomal abnormalities can be due to several factors including poor quality sperm or egg, abnormal cell division of the fetus, and / or genetic abnormalities of either mother or father.  Other causes of a complete miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) include infection (ie. Chlamydia, Cytomegalovirus, Genital herpes, Syphilis, Toxoplasmosis, and Rubella), abnormal uterine anatomy (ie. unicornate uterus or septate uterus), abnormal hormonal levels within the mother (ie. low progesterone), systemic illnesses (ie. untreated thyroid disease or diabetes), immune disorders, and substance abuse.  To learn more about the causes Go To Cause of Miscarriage.

Treatment of Complete Miscarriage (Spontaneous Abortion)

A complete miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) usually does not require a lot of medical involvement.  Usually by the time the woman gets to medical attention she has already had the miscarriage.  However, a woman still needs to be followed and examined by a physician for a complete miscarriage (spontaneous abortion).  Mostly to ensure that she has passed all the products of conception and to ensure her hCG level is going down.  There are some physicians who still may advise a woman to have a D&C (dilatation & curettage) after a complete miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) but this is not necessary unless the woman experiences prolonged bleeding, severe pelvic pain, or severe heavy vaginal bleeding.  The most difficult part of a complete miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) is the emotional aspect and coping with the miscarriage.  If a couple has experienced several early miscarriages (2-3) there is genetic counseling available through their physician.  To learn more Go To Treatment of Miscarriage.

It is recommended that a couple wait at least one regular menstrual cycle before trying to conceive again after a complete miscarriage (spontaneous abortion).