Miscarriage Signs in Second Trimester

Signs of Miscarriage in Second Trimester

There are several factors that can raise the risk of a miscarriage in the second trimester of pregnancy. Losing the baby within the initial twenty weeks of pregnancy can be a difficult time for the woman. However, the likelihood of a recurrence is very low.

The risk is also reduced once the initial 12 weeks have passed. There are many factors that pose a risk of miscarriage but many of them can be avoided as well, thereby ensuring a full-term healthy pregnancy.

Signs of Miscarriage in Second Trimester

Even though the risk of a miscarriage is lower after the first trimester is complete, it is not entirely eliminated. Factors such as infections or abnormal occurrences in the uterus and placenta may result in a miscarriage during the second trimester of pregnancy. One of the complications that contribute to miscarriages after the first twelve weeks is an incompetent cervix. This means that the cervix is not as strong and firm as it should be. A weak and soft cervix tends to dilate and shorten when pressure is exerting by the developing baby. This can cause the fetal membranes to rupture prematurely.

A miscarriage or pre-term birth is also likely to occur. There is no sure way of diagnosing an incompetent cervix. A patient's medical history may be able to indicate this condition. Women who have previously experienced a miscarriage in the second trimester or a pre-term delivery with very few or no contractions are at a higher risk of cervical incompetence. Immediate medical attention must be sought in case there is spotting, vaginal discharge, pelvic pain and cramping.

Another factor that increases the risk of miscarriage in the second trimester is placenta abruption. This is when there is a premature separation of the placenta from the uterus. Women who smoke, consume alcohol or take drugs may be at risk for this. The risk is also higher for women who have suffered an accident, have high blood pressure and older women. The main symptom of placenta abruption is bleeding, which may occur in varied severity. Tenderness in the uterus and cramping may also occur. Bleeding caused by a minor separation may be alleviated with bed rest. If there is a great deal of separation, a miscarriage is likely to occur. Two types of prenatal testing are also known to elevate the risk of a miscarriage. These are the amniocentesis and CVS or chorionic villus sampling. These tests are conducted when birth defects may be suspected due to abnormal results obtained from an alpha fetal protein blood test.