the Appearance of Chorionic Villus Post-Miscarriage

Chorionic villus

Dear Doctor: What does the chorionic tissue look like after a miscarriage at 6 weeks of pregnancy following the use of RU486? Does it appear similar to a blood clot, with a fibrous and fuzzy texture? I cannot find relevant information, so I appreciate your help.
Thank you.

yú, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/05/11

Dr. Dai Qihan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
After taking RU486, the uterus will contract, leading to a miscarriage, and the uterine contents will be expelled along with blood clots.
In the early stages, this cannot be observed with the naked eye and requires a pathological examination to confirm.

2.
Patients who experience a miscarriage after medication should return for a follow-up appointment within a week, where the physician will perform an ultrasound to ensure that everything has been completely expelled.

3.
Thank you for your question; please come to our hospital for a follow-up consultation.

Reply Date: 2002/05/11

More Info

After a miscarriage, particularly one induced by medication such as RU486 (mifepristone), the appearance of the expelled tissue can vary significantly. At six weeks of pregnancy, the tissue that is expelled may include a combination of decidual tissue, chorionic villi, and possibly some blood clots.
Chorionic villi are tiny, finger-like projections that form part of the placenta, and they play a crucial role in nutrient and gas exchange between the mother and the developing fetus. After a miscarriage, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, the expelled tissue may indeed resemble blood clots, but it can also have a more complex structure.
Typically, the expelled tissue may appear as follows:
1. Color and Texture: The tissue may be dark red or brownish, similar to blood clots, but it can also have a more fleshy appearance. The texture can be somewhat fibrous or stringy, which might give it a "hairy" or "fuzzy" look, especially if chorionic villi are present.

2. Size and Shape: The expelled tissue can vary in size, but at six weeks, it may be relatively small, possibly resembling a small clump or mass. It may not be a single piece but rather a collection of smaller fragments.

3. Consistency: The consistency can vary; some parts may feel soft and mushy, while others may be firmer or more fibrous. This variability is due to the mixture of decidual tissue, chorionic villi, and blood.

4. Presence of Blood: There may be significant bleeding associated with the miscarriage, and the expelled tissue may be mixed with blood, which can further alter its appearance.

It's important to note that while some women may see recognizable tissue, others may only experience bleeding with no identifiable tissue. If there are concerns about the nature of the expelled material or if there are signs of complications (such as excessive bleeding, severe pain, or fever), it is crucial to seek medical attention.
In terms of emotional and psychological impact, experiencing a miscarriage can be profoundly distressing. It is essential to have support during this time, whether from healthcare providers, family, or support groups.
In conclusion, after a miscarriage at six weeks, the expelled chorionic villi and associated tissue may look like blood clots and can have a fibrous or stringy texture. If you have any concerns about what you are experiencing, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for guidance and support.

Similar Q&A

Can You Miscarry Without Bleeding? Understanding Early Pregnancy Concerns

The first day of the last menstrual period was on October 17. I visited different obstetrics and gynecology clinics on November 23, 25, and 27, where I confirmed my pregnancy, but the ultrasound did not show anything. The doctor requested a blood test to determine whether it was ...

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. Pregnancy is confirmed, but the ultrasound cannot detect it. There are three possibilities: it could be a normal pregnancy that is still too small to be seen on ultrasound; it could be an ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo is not located within the uterus, hence not visible o...

Understanding Post-Miscarriage Symptoms and Uterine Health Concerns

Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my situation. I was eight weeks pregnant on November 18, 2017, and experienced a natural miscarriage. A few days later, I stopped bleeding, and my menstrual cycles have been relatively regular since then. I have not become pregnant agai...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
On November 18, 2017, I was eight weeks pregnant and experienced a natural miscarriage. A few days later, I no longer had any bleeding, and my menstrual cycle has remained relatively regular since then. I have not become pregnant again, and I feel disappointed every time my perio...

Understanding Recurrent Miscarriages: Seeking Answers for a Healthy Pregnancy

Hello Doctor, I had a smooth and normal pregnancy with my first child at the age of 32. However, during the past three years of trying to conceive my second child, I have experienced three miscarriages due to embryonic development issues (each time the embryo developed slowly: a...

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dear Carol, 1. There are many causes of habitual miscarriage. I recommend that you visit a medical center and consult a physician who specializes in infertility for a systematic evaluation. 2. Based on your description, it seems that the embryo can still implant, which does not ...

Understanding Unexplained Miscarriages: Causes and Next Steps

I have been married for two years and have experienced two pregnancies, both of which ended in miscarriage at around 2.5 to 3 months, leading to the decision to undergo a therapeutic abortion (the first pregnancy in June 1999 and the second in June 2000). Initially, when I found ...

Dr. Wang Hanzhou reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Most miscarried fetuses have inherent issues, and in such cases, progesterone is ineffective. Couples with a history of two miscarriages may undergo blood chromosomal testing, which can reveal that 2%-10% of them have chromosomal abnormalities. If the uterine lining is irregular,...