Miscarriage: causes, prevention and counselling
This article offers guidance on how pharmacists can provide women with practical advice and support during pregnancy and in the event of a miscarriage.
Understanding Pregnancy Loss
Any pregnancy loss before the 20th week is considered a miscarriage. First-trimester abortions can have several causes. It is also possible to differentiate them into types of abortions, according to the development of the embryo and/or its place of implantation.
Possible Types of Miscarriages
Some of the possible types of miscarriages are the following:
- Biochemical pregnancy: this is when the pregnancy test is positive, but after a few days the amount of beta hCG begins to decrease.
- Anembryonic pregnancy: an embryonic sac is observed, but without an embryo inside.
- Molar pregnancy: it is not an anembryonic pregnancy.
- Ectopic pregnancy: if the embryo implants outside the uterus.
Article based on research by Andrea Rodrigo B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist), Cristina Mestre Ferrer B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist), Marta Barranquero Gómez B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist), Zaira Salvador B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist) and Romina Packan (invitra staff).