Does a natural miscarriage require a uterine curettage?

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on September 03, 2024
00:00
00:00

A natural miscarriage refers to the spontaneous expulsion of the gestational sac from within the uterine cavity, in contrast to a miscarriage induced through medical intervention. A natural miscarriage is not the same as a complete miscarriage, which occurs when the gestational sac is completely expelled from the uterus without any remnants. Whether a natural miscarriage is complete is typically determined about a week after the event by a follow-up ultrasound. If the uterine cavity has no remnants or only minimal fluid accumulation, the miscarriage is considered complete, and usually, no surgical cleaning of the uterus is required. However, if the ultrasound after a natural miscarriage reveals substantial remnants within the uterine cavity, this indicates an incomplete miscarriage, and surgical cleaning of the uterus is generally necessary.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
39sec home-news-image

Do the symptoms of spontaneous miscarriage include bleeding?

During a natural miscarriage, vaginal bleeding occurs. This is because, after a miscarriage, the gestational sac and shed uterine lining also need to be expelled from the body, resulting in vaginal bleeding. Typically, this bleeding lasts about a week, gradually diminishing until it stops. If vaginal bleeding after a natural miscarriage persists for an extended period, even exceeding ten days without stopping, and is accompanied by abdominal pain, it is necessary to visit the hospital for an ultrasound to check for any remnants within the uterine cavity and possibly undergo a dilation and curettage procedure.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
43sec home-news-image

Natural miscarriage impact on the body

If a woman experiences a natural miscarriage, it can have adverse effects on her body. If attention is not paid to local cleanliness and hygiene during uterine bleeding, and the body's resistance is lowered, it can easily lead to some gynecological infections. If the inflammation is not treated in time, it can affect future normal pregnancies. Furthermore, if care is not enhanced after surgery, and rest is not adequately observed, it will impact the uterus's normal contraction and recovery, leading to continuous vaginal bleeding, which can also affect future pregnancies. Additionally, it can also have some adverse psychological effects on the pregnant woman.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
48sec home-news-image

Will there be stomach pain during a natural miscarriage?

During a natural miscarriage, abdominal pain occurs due to uterine contractions. This pain is caused by localized ischemia and hypoxia in the uterus and is a common occurrence. During a miscarriage, the uterus needs to continually contract to expel the gestational sac and decidual tissues. However, this pain is generally slightly less severe than the pain experienced during childbirth. After the gestational sac is expelled, the pain usually diminishes. Post-miscarriage, abdominal pain typically persists for two to three days. Once the residual tissues are expelled, the extent of uterine contractions gradually decreases, and the abdominal pain will also ease.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
56sec home-news-image

How long does it take for the lochia to clear after a natural miscarriage?

Generally, lochia can be cleared within a week after a natural miscarriage occurs. The duration of lochia discharge during a natural miscarriage is also related to the length of pregnancy. If the miscarriage occurs during a later stage of pregnancy, there may be a longer period of vaginal bleeding because the endometrium is thicker, potentially requiring about ten days. Typically, it will clear within a week, and it should not last more than ten days at most. It is advised for women to undergo a medical examination at a hospital two weeks after a natural miscarriage, at which time the recovery of the uterus and any remaining tissues can be assessed. After such a miscarriage, it is important to rest, enhance nutrition, and abstain from intercourse for a month.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
35sec home-news-image

What not to eat after a miscarriage

After a natural miscarriage, some people may become very weak. In such cases, it is important to consume mild and easily digestible foods. Foods that should be avoided are those that promote blood circulation, such as jujube. Drinking brown sugar water is advisable as it can help contract the uterus. Miscarriage can cause minor physical trauma or damage, so during this period, avoid consuming too cold or too spicy foods. Eating such foods may exacerbate abdominal pain or lead to infections.