Before we begin: A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. Read about symptoms and how to cope if you’ve suffered a miscarriage.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about miscarriage. We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
What is a miscarriage? A miscarriage is an unexpected loss of pregnancy before the 20th week. Most miscarriages happen very early in the pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant.
What causes a miscarriage? A miscarriage can happen in any pregnancy. Most miscarriages occur because the fetus doesn’t develop properly. This is often linked to a genetic problem with the fetus, such as an extra or missing chromosome.
In many cases, the cause of a miscarriage is unknown. Some possible factors that may increase the chance of a miscarriage can include:
Problems with the uterus or cervix
Chronic diseases, including polycystic ovary syndrome
Genetic problems with the fetus
Pregnancy after 35 years of age
Smoking, drug or alcohol use
Certain chronic (long-term) health conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes
Severe malnutrition
What are the signs of a miscarriage? The signs of a miscarriage may be different for everyone and can vary based on how far along you are in your pregnancy.
Signs of a miscarriage can include:
Vaginal spotting or bleeding with or without pain. Some women may have some spotting in early pregnancy and don’t miscarry. To be sure, contact your provider right away if you have any bleeding.
Dark-colored vaginal discharge.
A gush of fluid or tissue from your vagina.
Cramping or pain in your abdomen (belly) or lower back.
Sometimes, it’s hard to know what’s normal during pregnancy. If something seems unusual or is worrying you, talk to your provider.
How is a miscarriage diagnosed? To check if you have had a miscarriage, your provider may do the following:
A pelvic exam to check your cervix.
Blood tests to check things such as the amount of blood loss and confirm pregnancy.
An ultrasound to check the fetus.
What is the treatment for a miscarriage? Treatment after a miscarriage often depends on when it occurs during the pregnancy. If you miscarry early in your pregnancy, you may not need any treatment. If you are 12 or more weeks pregnant, you may need a shot to prevent problems with the Rh factor in future pregnancies.
In some cases, tissue is left in the uterus. If you don’t have any signs of infection, your provider may recommend waiting for the tissue to pass naturally. If you need treatment to remove the tissue, it can include:
Medicines
A procedure called dilatation and curettage (D&C) or vacuum aspiration
No matter when it occurs, losing a pregnancy can be difficult. Counseling may help you cope with your grief. Later, if you decide to try to get pregnant again, talk with your provider to understand any risks. Many women who have a miscarriage go on to have healthy pregnancies later.
Can a miscarriage be prevented? Miscarriage can affect anyone and often can’t be prevented. Focus on taking good care of yourself and start prenatal care visits early in your pregnancy.
NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Also known as: Spontaneous abortion.
Related topics: Pregnancy Loss, Spontaneous Abortion.
Categories: Women, Pregnancy and Reproduction, Female Reproductive System.
Source: National Institutes of Health — Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Key Takeaways
Understanding miscarriage is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.