Threatened Miscarriage in Chinese Medicine

Threatened miscarriage, also known as threatened abortion, is a common condition in pregnant women, especially during the first trimester. In Western medicine, this condition is often seen as a warning sign that a miscarriage may occur, but in Chinese medicine, it is seen as a treatable condition that can be addressed to prevent miscarriage from occurring. In this article, we will explore the symptoms, stages, causes, and treatment options for threatened miscarriage in Chinese medicine.

Symptoms and Stages

Threatened miscarriage is divided into three stages in Chinese medicine: Vaginal Bleeding during Pregnancy, Restless Fetus, and Miscarriage.

Vaginal Bleeding during Pregnancy

This stage is characterized by scanty vaginal bleeding and may be caused by a deficiency of Blood or Qi, or by Blood-Heat.

Restless Fetus

This stage is characterized by vaginal bleeding as well as backache, abdominal pain, and a bearing-down feeling, and may be caused by a deficiency of Blood or Qi, or by Blood-Heat.

Miscarriage

This stage is characterized by the loss of the fetus and may be caused by a deficiency of Blood or Qi, or by Blood-Heat.

Causes and Risk Factors

The main causes and risk factors for threatened miscarriage in Chinese medicine include:

• Deficiency of Blood or Qi: A deficiency of Blood or Qi can weaken the Directing and Penetrating Vessels, which are responsible for gathering Blood and nourishing the fetus. This can lead to threatened miscarriage or miscarriage.
• Blood-Heat: Excess Heat in the Blood can damage the Directing and Penetrating Vessels, leading to a deficiency of Blood and Qi and a weakened Original Qi of the fetus. This can cause threatened miscarriage or miscarriage.

Treatment Options

In Chinese medicine, the treatment of threatened miscarriage focuses on strengthening the Directing and Penetrating Vessels, which are responsible for gathering Blood and nourishing the fetus. This is often done through the use of herbal remedies, such as herbal decoctions and pills, which can be used to nourish the Blood and Qi and support the growth of the fetus. By using these treatment options, Chinese medicine can help to prevent miscarriage and support the developing fetus.