Does a natural miscarriage count as an abortion?

Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
Updated on September 15, 2024
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Is miscarriage considered the same as abortion? These are not the same concepts, but they share similarities. Miscarriage is due to factors related to the mother or fetus, leading to the natural loss of the embryo, whereas abortion involves artificially inducing the removal of the embryo from the womb. Although miscarriages might also result in some postpartum complications, abortions tend to have more complications due to the artificial means involved. These artificial ways include surgical abortion procedures, during which there might be risks of infection and damage to the uterine lining.

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Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
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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.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Does a natural miscarriage require a uterine curettage?

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.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How long is it normal to bleed after a natural miscarriage?

A natural miscarriage generally stops bleeding within a week; if the bleeding continues beyond a week, it is considered abnormal. This is because in most cases of natural miscarriage, the embryo and the decidua are expelled together, followed by uterine contractions, resulting in some vaginal bleeding. Normally, such bleeding should not persist beyond a week. If vaginal bleeding continues past this period, an ultrasound should be conducted to examine whether the uterine cavity is clean and free of any residual embryonic tissue. If remnants are found, it may be necessary to take some medications to promote blood circulation and remove the residual tissues.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Does natural miscarriage have anything to do with sperm?

The occurrence of natural miscarriage is somewhat related to the quality of the male's sperm. When the vitality of the sperm and the rate of sperm abnormalities are both decreased, it tends to lead to miscarriage. The combination of sperm and egg requires both to be healthy to conceive a healthy baby. If the quality of the sperm is poor, it might lead to miscarriage even if a fertilized egg is formed. Therefore, before pregnancy, both men and women should go to the hospital for pre-pregnancy check-ups to see if their bodies are suitable for pregnancy. If the sperm quality is poor, it should be regulated, and pregnancy should only be attempted after the sperm quality has been improved.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Can work during a natural miscarriage

During the natural miscarriage period, it is not advisable to go to work. This is because the woman's body is relatively weak after a natural miscarriage and the immune system is compromised, so she should not go to work and needs to rest at home. A natural miscarriage can cause certain harm to a woman's body, and like normal childbirth, confinement is necessary for at least two weeks. During this period, it is important to rest, boost nutrition, and maintain personal hygiene. Once the body has fully recovered, which generally takes about two weeks, one can then return to work. It is also important to maintain hygiene in intimate areas. Sexual intercourse should be avoided for a month, and baths should be replaced with showers as the endometrial lining needs time to repair. Additionally, it is crucial to keep warm, avoid exposure to cold, and refrain from exertion.