For pregnant women, careful care during the first three months is particularly important. Any slight negligence can lead to miscarriage. Therefore, many pregnant women are very cautious during the first three months. However, even so, some pregnant women still experience symptoms of miscarriage. So how should pregnant women take care of themselves after a miscarriage? And what are some Chinese herbal medicines for miscarriage that we may not have noticed in our daily lives?
【Symptoms of Miscarriage in Early Pregnancy】
1. Vaginal bleeding
Vaginal bleeding occurs in women who miscarry within 12 weeks of pregnancy. Initially, the villi and decidua separate, and then the blood sinuses open, causing bleeding.
When the embryo is completely expelled, the bleeding stops due to uterine contractions. Most women who experience miscarriage in the early stages have vaginal bleeding as a symptom.
2. Abdominal pain (uterine contractions)
In the early stages of pregnancy, after vaginal bleeding occurs due to miscarriage, the separation of the embryo and the presence of blood clots in the uterus stimulate uterine contractions, causing intermittent lower abdominal pain. The characteristic of the symptoms of miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy is that vaginal bleeding often occurs before abdominal pain.
3. Vaginal blood clots
The amount of vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy miscarriage is usually very large, sometimes even greater than the amount of bleeding after induced abortion. However, there are relatively few vaginal blood clots.
【Chinese Herbal Medicines that Cause Miscarriage】
1. Saffron
Taking saffron can lead to secondary fallopian tube blockage, adhesion, menstrual disorders, and amenorrhea after miscarriage, leading to infertility. The dosage of saffron that causes miscarriage varies depending on individual constitution and stage of pregnancy.
2. Oleander + Cinnamon Twig
The oleandrin in oleander can stimulate the uterus. When consumed, it can strengthen uterine contractions. If oleander and cinnamon twig are taken together, it is more likely to cause miscarriage. Contact with oleander can cause poisoning in pregnant women, leading to drowsiness, decreased intelligence, and symptoms of nausea and dizziness when consumed, which are also not conducive to the growth and development of the fetus.
3. Portulaca oleracea
Portulaca oleracea, also known as purslane, is not suitable for everyone to consume. Due to its cold and slippery nature, it is not recommended to consume it in early pregnancy, especially for those with a history of habitual miscarriage. Modern clinical practice has found that purslane can cause smooth muscle contractions in the uterus. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid eating purslane, but it is an exception before delivery. Eating more purslane before delivery is actually beneficial for a smooth delivery.
【Dietary Adjustment After Miscarriage】
1. Balanced diet
Women who miscarry should choose appropriate foods, easy-to-digest foods, and pay special attention to nutrition. Eat more foods rich in vitamins, trace elements, and high-protein foods, and pay attention to balanced nutrition and low fat.
2. Consume protein
Eat more protein-rich foods such as fish, meat, eggs, and soy products, as well as fresh vegetables rich in vitamins, to speed up recovery.
3. Supplement nutrients
Ensure the supply of high-quality protein, sufficient vitamins, and inorganic salts, especially sufficient iron to prevent anemia. Food choices should focus on nutrition and ease of digestion and absorption.
4. Avoid raw and cold food
Avoid or consume less greasy and cold raw food. Avoid foods like radish, hawthorn, bitter gourd, and oranges that promote qi circulation, blood circulation, and have a cold nature. Eat easily digestible foods instead.
The recommended time for replenishment is about two weeks. For those who are physically weak, have poor constitution, or have experienced excessive blood loss, the replenishment time can be extended accordingly.
