Non-invasive role for prostaglandins in miscarriages

It is estimated that 10-30 per cent of pregnancies end in a miscarriage. If a miscarriage is ‘incomplete’, doctors usually scrape out the uterus by D&C (dilatation & curettage) to remove the dead fetus and placenta.

It’s now been discovered that inserting prostaglandins (drugs that mimic the action of hormones) into the birth canal will make the mother expel her dead baby naturally, thus obviating the need for invasive D&Cs (Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2002; 187: 321-6).

Related WDDTY Content

Miscarriage - The hidden causes

Although miscarriages are often blamed on 'tired eggs' or unknown causes, the real culprits are poor diet, environmental toxins and even the drugs to...

Preventing miscarriage

Q I have just had my first child at the age of 35 and I m keen to start trying for another baby as soon as possible However...

Repeated miscarriages

One physician wrote in saying that a possible cause for recurring miscarriages is an allergy to one’s partner.

Miscarriage: op unnecessary

Many women are undergoing unnecessary surgery after miscarriage, according to a report (GP, 6 August 1993). ...

Warfarin - can it cause miscarrige when given in pregnancy?

Q:Our baby was pronounced dead in utero on 27 December 1991, at 28 weeks gestation. She was induced stillborn three days later. ... ...

Nsaid use increases risk of miscarriage

NSAIDs (non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) taken during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage by up to seven times. ...