Early miscarriage, or spontaneous abortion is common and normal.  Some research estimates that as many as one third of pregnancies end naturally.  It is considered normal to have more than one early miscarriage.  Doctors typically do not evaluate for underlying medical problems unless you have three or more spontaneous abortions.  The best medical treatment of early miscarriage is to either pass the pregnancy naturally, or to have a nonsurgical Aspiration Procedure (Manual Vacuum Aspiration).  Other options include the use of misoprostol.  Depending on where you live and your circumstances, sometimes having a surgical procedure is the only option available.

If you are having a miscarriage, and you are under 9 weeks pregnant, you can allow your body to pass the pregnancy naturally.  Physically, your body is fully capable of expelling the tissue on its own.  For some women, this can be emotionally difficult.  It can be helpful to recognize that if you are under 9 weeks, the pregnancy is very early, and there is very little tissue.  Under 9 weeks of pregnancy, there is no visible embryo.  The pregnancy consists of a thick lining that forms along the wall of the uterus (decidua) and a small fluid filled gestational sac (smaller than a ball of cotton).

If you had a wanted pregnancy, and are waiting to expel the tissue naturally, it can also be helpful to look at the positive experience of the pregnancy.  You have learned more about getting pregnant.  You have learned about the symptoms of early pregnancy. You have had to make decisions about medical care.  You have had to think more about what preparations are needed to have a baby.  You have learned more about your husband or your partner and strengths or difficulties in the relationship.  You have learned more about what kind of emotional support you will need to carry a pregnancy.  All of these experiences will only help you for your next wanted pregnancy.  Allow yourself to recognize that this is not a situation that you can control.  It is the first and most important lesson of becoming a parent.  Things almost never go as they are planned.

The Aspiration Procedure (Manual Vacuum Aspiration) is the other natural alternative to early miscarriage, and can be used up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.  The Aspiration Procedure is a nonsurgical procedure that takes minutes to complete.  It can be completed in a regular doctor’s office.  The doctor inserts a speculum into the vagina (like a regular exam).  She then inserts a thin cannula (like a straw) through the natural opening of the cervix. If you are having a miscarriage, the opening to the cervix has most likely dilated naturally.  The doctor attaches a small plastic handheld device to the cannula, and applies gentle pressure.  This allows the pregnancy tissue to expel naturally.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find a doctor who performs the Aspiration Procedure.  The best resource for finding a doctor is: http://www.earlyabortion.com.  If you can find a doctor, there are significant advantages to treating miscarriage with the Aspiration Procedure.  Most importantly, you do not need to wait for a natural miscarriage.  Waiting can be emotionally difficult, especially if you still have symptoms of pregnancy, and are needing to work or take care of other children.  After an Aspiration Procedure, pregnancy symptoms immediately start to decline.  The Aspiration Procedure is considered nonsurgical, and there are no risks for future pregnancies.  It is much less invasive than a surgical abortion because there is no scraping, no electric suction, and no need to be put to sleep.  There is more information regarding Manual Vacuum Aspiration and Miscarriage at: http://www.ipaswomancare.com.

If the Aspiration Procedure is not an option, some doctor are treating miscarriage with the medication misoprostol.  Misoprostol is the second medication in the Abortion Pill protocol.  Misoprostol causes the cervix to dilate, and the uterus to contract, so it seems to be a good option for assisting with natural miscarriage.  While it can often facilitate natural miscarriage, it can also sometimes cause worse cramping, nausea, and other symptoms like chills and dizzy spells.  Sometimes it requires up to three attempts.  For some women the symptoms from taking misoprostol may be worse than waiting for a natural miscarriage to take place.

Getting a surgical procedure (D&C) is the most common, but the least natural approach to early miscarriage.  If you are in a position that you need to get a surgical procedure, try to find a doctor who will do the procedure without uterine scraping.  Scraping is completely unnecessary for a miscarriage or abortion under 12 weeks of pregnancy. It is also safest to have the procedure completed under “twilight” or local anesthesia.

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