Hormone therapies involving progesterone and estrogen are generally necessary for women prone to miscarriages, as well as menopausal women. The synthetic form of progesterone, progestin, is given as a supplementation during the course of pregnancy to thicken the uterine wall to encourage fetal attachment. Depending on the woman, estrogen may also be necessary to regulate progesterone levels in the body and preserve the pregnancy. In some cases, miscarriage may still occur, as hormone therapy is not 100 percent effective. If you experience any of these signs, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Vaginal Bleeding
The most common sign of miscarriage -- not just for women taking hormones, but in general -- is vaginal bleeding. Bleeding may occur within the first six to 12 weeks of pregnancy, as well as beyond that mark, although progressed pregnancy will accompany other symptoms. Vaginal bleeding may be consistent or spotting may occur. Either way, if you experience any type of vaginal bleeding, it is imperative to seek medical attention, as this may indicate a threatened miscarriage, meaning your baby is at risk of miscarrying. Your doctor will need to evaluate your pregnancy and set forth a plan to preserve your pregnancy.
Cramping
In many cases, cramping will accompany vaginal bleeding, especially in the six to 12 week period. Cramping may be mild to severe, and occur in the abdominal and lower back regions. You should address this combination of symptoms quickly, as this may indicate a threatened miscarriage or an incomplete miscarriage in which the miscarriage took place but fetal tissue may still remain, making you at risk for an infection. Incomplete miscarriages will generally exhibit severe cramps and persistent bleeding.
Labor-like Pain
Miscarriage after 12 weeks of pregnancy will often create labor-like pain accompanied by profuse bleeding. This is by far the most dangerous form of miscarriage and usually requires hospitalization for a period of time, although incomplete miscarriages require a minor procedure to remove lingering tissue. If you experience labor-like pain after your first trimester, you should immediately go to the emergency room for treatment.
References
- ScienceDaily: Estrogen Maintains Pregnancy, Triggers Fetal Maturation
- "Miscarriage and the Successful Pregnancy"; William Hummel, M.D.; 2005
- "Miscarriage, Medicine and Miracles"; Bruce Young and Amy Zavatto; 2009
