At least 50% of pregnancies end in the first trimester; many before a mother even knows she has conceived as she may experience what seems like a heavier than normal menses.  Most miscarriages are caused by toxin overload, genetic, or otherwise unknown, reasons and nothing we do can prevent the progression.  However, when nutrition or overall wellness play a role, there may be options we can try.

What are signs of impending miscarriage?

• Sudden decrease in pregnancy symptoms
• Cramping like the beginning of a period, may be, or be mistaken for, a Urinary Tract Infection and may feel like back pain (UTI may cause miscarriage or preterm labor)
• Abdominal cramping
• Increase in discharge, especially if it is tinged with blood
• Bleeding (brown or red)
• Red spotting or bleeding along with cramping is rarely something we can change.  Miscarriage may start slow over a few days, or happen quickly. (Some early pregnancy bleeding is due to placenta site attachment)

Many women don’t announce pregnancy early and may not have yet established prenatal care.  So many cultures encourage women to avoid announcing a pregnancy too early because the rate of miscarriage in the first trimester is so high.  However, miscarriage labor can be intense both physically and emotionally and having your close friends, family, or employer know of your situation can help when you may need support the most.  In the first trimester, hearing a heartbeat with fetoscope or portable doppler at home is very unlikely.  In fact, many obstetricians don't offer listening to the heart beat until after the first trimester for the same reasons.  However, 2D/3D /4D ultrasound may show the heartbeat by approximately 5-8 weeks, and may indicate placenta concerns, if any, but is not without risk.  Hcg Labwork on two separate occasions at least 3 days apart should be doubling if pregnancy continues and would be the method of clinically monitoring for a continuing pregnancy with the least amount of affect on the developing baby.

Methods to verify a pregnancy is continuing don’t prevent a miscarriage (and ultrasound may actually cause more harm as it vibrates and heats the thousands of cells being developed every second - 4,000 alone just for the neurological system).  Nevertheless, bloodwork for hormone labs can provide some insight as to the needs for supplementation and knowing a few remedies is invaluable when you have a history of miscarriage and when time may be of the essence as miscarriage therapies are not always easy to find locally.

THERAPIES TO PREVENT AND HEAL IMPENDING MISCARRIAGE

Hydration

Simple, but dehydration prevents the body from functioning as it needs to.  Drink 2-3 quarts of water daily.  Add a little lemon or fresh berries, and a pinch of salt occasionally.

Protein

Protein helps to build cells of all kinds.  Eat something with protein every 3 hours during the day (80-100 mg total daily)

Dark Leafy Greens

These foods have most of your trace minerals needed for cell growth, whole body function, detoxification, blood health, and hormonal balance.  Eat them at least three times a day.

Epsom Salts or Magnesium Flakes

For cramping and stress.  2 Cups of Epsom Salts in a warm bath can help reduce muscle cramps and calm anxiety.  Do this anytime you’re feeling crampy.  If this slows contractions, you’re likely low in magnesium.  You should get 400-600 mg of Magnesium Glycinate Chelate daily.  (Magnesium Citrate only moves bowels, not supporting muscles).

Catnip Tea

For cramping and stress.  High in calcium, magnesium, and other trace minerals, this tea can soften muscles and provide missing nutrients.  A heaping spoonful per cup of water (or up to ¼ cup per quart) and steep at least 20 minutes.  Drink ¼ cup every 15 minutes until cramping reduces.

Vitamins C & E

For bleeding, to support a strong placenta bed (only if there is bleeding in pregnancy as this is a very high dose and should not be taken preventatively or throughout pregnancy).  500 mg L-ascorbate Vitamin C with Flavanoids and 2000 IU D-Alpha Vitamin E daily.  Take for 2-3 weeks, then taper off the dosage.

Wild Yam

For low progesterone and history of miscarriage.  This herb doesn't actually provide progesterone, but it does support progesterone production.  Take 2-4 dropperfuls (2-4 ml), 3x daily of a tincture or 2-4 grams, 3x daily of a capsule supplement.  Taper off after the first trimester.

Mountain Meadow C&B Tincture

For cramping and/or Bleeding, or history of miscarriage.  Take 2-4 dropperfuls (2-4 ml), 3x daily.  If you’re actively cramping, take ¼ dropperful every 15 minutes for 2 hours, up to 3x daily (with 3 hours between each 2 hour round).  The herbs in this blend, Black Haw Bark, Cramp Bark, False Unicorn Root, Passion Flower Leaf, and Wild Yam Root can also be blended into a tea drinking one cup 3x daily.

If you have a history of miscarriage, labwork can be a great next step to see which treatments might be best for you to help prevent miscarriage, and options to have on hand for a future pregnancy.  Schedule a wellness visit at MOVbirth.com.