Dr. Marta Perez's Lecture on Miscarriage Management

Introduction

• Presenter: Dr. Marta Perez
• Topic: Miscarriage Management
• Audience Note: Sensitive topic; viewer discretion advised

Overview

• Understanding miscarriage and terminologies
• Different management options post-miscarriage diagnosis
• Important precautions and discussion points with healthcare providers

Understanding Miscarriage

• Terminology
  • Colloquial term for early pregnancy loss
  • Early Pregnancy Loss: Non-viable intrauterine pregnancy
    • Empty gestational sac
    • Gestational sac with no fetal heart activity
  • Spontaneous Abortion: Pregnancy ends on its own

Miscarriage Statistics

• Rates by Age
  • 20s: 7-17%
  • 30s: ~20%
  • 40s: ~40%
• Genetic Factors: Primary cause linked to maternal age
• Timing: 80% occur in the first trimester

Diagnosing Early Pregnancy Loss

• Symptoms: Vaginal bleeding, cramping
• Diagnostic Tools
  • Ultrasound criteria
  • Hormonal blood tests
• Challenges: Differentiating between healthy and abnormal pregnancies (e.g., ectopic, molar)

Management Options

1. Expectant Management
   • Natural progression of miscarriage
   • Monitoring bleeding and pain
   • Follow-up required
2. Medical Management
   • Use of medications (e.g., Misoprostol, Mifeprestone)
   • Effective scheduling
   • Follow-up necessary
   • Legal and access issues with Mifeprestone
3. Surgical Management (D&C)
   • Quick, definitive procedure
   • Options for anesthesia
   • Most effective with minimal complications

Important Considerations

• Choosing Management: Flexible options and changes
• Bleeding and Cramping
  • Recognize normal vs. excessive bleeding
  • When to seek emergency care
• Blood Type Importance
  • RH-negative individuals may need Rhogam

Contraception and Future Pregnancy

• Contraception: Time of miscarriage is optimal for starting contraception
• Future Pregnancy: Video resource available

Conclusion

• Empowerment Through Knowledge
• Miscarriage is common; support and information are crucial
• Further Information: Requests for additional topics welcomed
• Call to Action: Subscribe for more content on pregnancy and birth

Resources

• Related videos on subchorionic hematomas and getting pregnant after miscarriage
• ACOG and FDA guidelines on miscarriage management