First Trimester

The loss of a baby, no matter what stage of the pregnancy, often leaves grief-stricken parents and unanswered questions. The loss of a baby during pregnancy has different terminology during different stages. For instance, pregnancy loss first trimester is called a miscarriage while a loss after the first trimester is referred to as a still birth or fetal demise. No matter what the terms, the reality is the same. The baby has died.

Mom understands this, dad understands this and those who are close to the couple understand the grief. Unfortunately those who haven’t experienced a loss in their family sometimes say the most amazing things to the mom. It’s not uncommon for the grieving mother to hear: “Oh, you can always have another one!”, “I’m sorry – but you can always adopt.”, “When do you plan to try again?”

There is certainly nothing wrong with adoption, having another baby or trying to conceive again. But the questions imply that by having another baby, or adopting another, you can replace the one that was lost.

The most frequent pregnancy lost first trimester happens either as a spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) or an ectopic pregnancy. The term spontaneous abortion or miscarriage is used because the woman begins to bleed spontaneously, without a trigger, and the baby dies and is lost. In almost 50% of all tissue from miscarriages doctors finds chromosomal abnormalities that are believed to be the primary cause of the miscarriage.

The most common time for pregnancy loss first trimester is in the first 12 weeks. After that time the chances of miscarriage go down to 1%.

Sometimes the baby isn’t able to implant into the uterus because of an imbalance in the maternal hormones. Other times bacterial or viral infections have been associated with pregnancy loss first trimester. Some mothers who suffer from auto-immune disorders, substance abuse, cigarette smoking or multiple pregnancies can have a higher risk of miscarriage.

Unfortunately there is no real treatment for an imminent miscarriage. If the doctor is able to detect a viable pregnancy then they may run blood work, try to correct hormonal deficiencies and place the mother on strict bed rest to reduce trauma.

Pregnancy loss first trimester can be complete or incomplete. In the case of a complete miscarriage it can happen all at once. The women will experience heavy bleeding and cramping and will pass tissue from the vagina. The symptoms will usually resolve in 12 hours. In these cases the women should try to collect any tissue that is passed and save it in a glass jar in the refrigerator. She should also see her doctor within 2 days for examination.

In an incomplete miscarriage the condition may be diagnosed by a physical examination or blood test. The doctor may do an ultrasound to confirm his suspicions. In this case the doctor may have to do a dilation and curettage (D&C).

Pregnancy loss first trimester is a traumatic event that leaves it’s mark on the parents for years to come. With knowledge and acknowledging your grief you’ll be able to move past it to a place of peace.

A precaution for nutrition during pregnancy involves the eating of fish. Swardfish, king mackerel, shark or tilefish contain high amounts of mercury that can harm a child’s brain or nervous system – either unborn or nursing. Women who are pregnant, want to become pregnant or are nursing shouldn’t eat these fish.