Miscarriage is one of the most common complications of pregnancy: 15% of clinically recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage. The major cause of spontaneous miscarriage is genetic or developmental abnormalities of the fetus. Other causes include thrombophilia, cervical weakness, infection and endocrine, anatomical and immune factors. Treatments to prevent miscarriage remain largely untested by randomized controlled trials or evidence-based practice. The resulting consequences have been disappointing for both patients and health-care providers. This article is therefore designed to enhance critical thinking and improve clinical skills in an area with extensive and confusing literature.
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