The practice guideline 'Miscarriage' (second revision) from the Dutch College of General Practitioners; a response from the perspective of general practice

The practice guideline 'Miscarriage' has been reviewed for the second time in fifteen years. It provides the practitioner with distinct diagnostic tools for vaginal bleeding in the first sixteen weeks of pregnancy and a clear management algorithm. The management of miscarriage is based on a joint decision between the general practitioner and the woman concerned. A more reserved attitude towards the surgical termination of pregnancy is advised. The guideline sufficiently addresses the issue of informing the woman as to the expected amount of bleeding during a miscarriage and the relationship with fertility. However, the risk factors for heavy blood loss are not mentioned in the guideline. The psychological impact of early miscarriage on women is given adequate attention and is part of the counselling during the follow-up period. Finally, the medical treatment of threatened miscarriage seems to result in an earlier miscarriage with less loss of blood compared to expectant management. The guideline pays also attention to medical treatment. Future research will clarify whether medical treatment is feasible in general practice.