Miscarriage

Jason T
Jul 19
4 min read

Updated: Jul 26

Sudden Medical Emergencies Part 5 – Miscarriage: A Guide for Nursing Students

Miscarriage is one of the most emotionally devastating medical emergencies a person may experience—and one that future nurses must be prepared to respond to with compassion, professionalism, and care.

Medically known as a spontaneous abortion "this is not a planned event", miscarriage refers to the unplanned loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week of gestation. For patients, it can feel like their entire world has just collapsed. As a nursing student, understanding the medical, emotional, and psychological aspects of miscarriage is crucial in delivering supportive care during this sensitive time.

Understanding the Causes of Miscarriage

Miscarriages are more common than most people realize. Approximately 10–20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, often before the person even realizes they are pregnant.

Common contributing factors include:

Hormonal imbalances or chromosomal abnormalities
Chronic health conditions (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid disease)
Abnormalities in the uterus or cervix
Maternal age (especially over 35)
Infections or high fevers
Trauma or environmental exposures
Certain medications or chemical exposure

🔍 Source: Mayo Clinic, Canadian Red Cross, Alberta Health Services

What Nursing Students Should Look For

Signs and symptoms of miscarriage often resemble those of menstruation or early labor. Recognizing the signs quickly and offering nonjudgmental care can make a difference in both physical and emotional outcomes.

Look for:

Anxiety or visible emotional distress
Cramping or lower abdominal pain
Vaginal bleeding or spotting

Notes on Compassionate Care

As a nursing student, empathy is as vital as clinical skill. Miscarriage is not just a physical event—it is an emotional and psychological loss.

Remember:

Do not pass judgment. Personal beliefs must never interfere with patient care.
Offer quiet support. Sometimes, presence and silence are more healing than words.
Understand that risk decreases as pregnancy progresses, but early miscarriages are sadly common.
Always advise follow-up with a physician. Ongoing care may include emotional support, physical recovery, and grief counseling.

Emergency First Aid Response for Miscarriage

In emergency or prehospital settings, the primary goals are to ensure the patient’s safety, preserve life, and offer compassionate support until EMS or a physician can take over.

What to expect after a miscarriage

Scene Safety and Initial Assessment
- Ensure the area is safe.
- Use gloves or PPE if available to protect against bodily fluids.
- Check the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation).
Call 911 Immediately
- Especially if the person is alone, unresponsive, has heavy bleeding, signs of shock, or if there is trauma involved.
- Retrieve an AED if available in cases where collapse or cardiac arrest occurs.
Provide Care with Dignity and Sensitivity) Emotional Support
- Speak gently. Offer reassurance.
- Avoid asking detailed questions unless instructed by EMS dispatch.
b) Control Bleeding
- Place a large sanitary pad or dressing over the vaginal area.
- Do not insert anything into the vagina.
- Help the patient lie on their side with knees bent, if comfortable.
c) Treat for Shock
- Lay the person down and elevate their legs unless this causes pain or difficulty breathing.
- Keep them warm with a blanket or jacket.
- Monitor responsiveness and vital signs if trained.
d) Continue Care Until Help Arrives
- Be present, calm, and supportive.
- Document what happened (especially for emergency team handoff).

💡 Remember: You are not just helping manage a medical emergency—you’re helping someone process a traumatic, personal loss. Your presence matters.

A Note for Nursing Students

You may encounter miscarriage not only in emergency rooms but also in community health, long-term care facilities, or even in unexpected places like homes or public settings. Your role is to deliver care that is competent, ethical, and rooted in compassion.

Just Remember:

Protect yourself – wear gloves.
Call 911 – time matters.
Never make assumptions – support with care.
Don't waste time – take action calmly and swiftly.

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