5 Must-Know Signs of Miscarriage: What to Look Out For and How to Respond

Introduction

Miscarriage, simply put, is the unexpected loss of a pregnancy, a heart-wrenching experience that affects many women around the world. While around 10-20% of recognised pregnancies end in miscarriage, the real number may be much higher. This is because many miscarriages happen very early, often before a woman even knows she is pregnant.

Despite how common miscarriages are, they can bring deep emotional pain. It’s important to remember that a miscarriage is rarely caused by anything a woman did or didn’t do. Most miscarriages occur because the developing embryo or fetus doesn’t progress as expected, often due to reasons beyond anyone’s control. Understanding the early miscarriage symptoms and knowing the causes of miscarriage can help you navigate this challenging time.

In this guide, we’ll explore the early signs to look out for, common risk factors, and steps you can take to support a healthy pregnancy. Knowing more can be a step toward healing whether you’re seeking reassurance or information.

What Are the Early Signs of Miscarriage?

The early stages of miscarriage often come with clear warning signs, but some can be more subtle. It’s important to remember that every pregnancy is different, and experiencing these symptoms of a miscarriage early doesn’t always mean a miscarriage will happen. If you notice any of the following, contact your healthcare provider immediately for evaluation.

1. Bleeding

Perhaps the most common early sign of a miscarriage is miscarriage bleeding. This bleeding can range from light spotting to heavy bleeding with clots. Light spotting can be normal during early pregnancy, but if the bleeding becomes heavier or is accompanied by severe cramping, it may be an indicator of miscarriage. According to studies, about 25% of pregnant women experience bleeding in the first trimester, but not all of them result in miscarriage. Still, bleeding that increases over time or contains tissue or clots is a significant red flag.

2. Cramping and Pain

Mild cramping is normal as the uterus expands. Still, intense abdominal pain or lower back pain, particularly if it’s stronger than typical period cramps, can be a sign that something is wrong. This cramping may also come with lower back pain that can be sharp or dull. The pain is usually felt in the lower abdomen or pelvic area and can resemble severe menstrual cramps.

3. Discharge of Tissue or Fluid

Another early miscarriage symptom is the passage of tissue or fluid. If you notice a discharge that looks like tissue, clots, or fluid that is pink or grey, this could indicate a miscarriage. The passing of fetal tissue is a clear sign, and immediate medical attention is required.

4. Loss of Pregnancy Symptoms

A sudden or gradual loss of common pregnancy symptoms, such as breast tenderness, nausea, or fatigue, can sometimes be a sign of miscarriage. While these symptoms often fluctuate naturally, a noticeable disappearance, particularly early in the pregnancy, may signal a problem. However, it’s important to remember that the reduction of symptoms isn’t always a definitive sign of miscarriage, as hormone levels can vary widely.

5. Decreased Fetal Movement (In Later Pregnancy)

In the later stages of pregnancy (after the first trimester), a reduction in fetal movement can be concerning. While this isn’t an early miscarriage symptom, it’s worth mentioning as it signals potential complications. If you’re in your second trimester and notice reduced movement, consult your healthcare provider.

Common Causes of Miscarriage

Understanding the common causes of miscarriage can help contextualise why these early symptoms occur.

1. Chromosomal Abnormalities

As noted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), around 50% of all miscarriages in the first trimester are caused by chromosomal abnormalities. During conception, chromosomes from the egg and sperm combine. If this process results in an abnormal number of chromosomes, the fetus may not develop properly, leading to miscarriage. These abnormalities occur randomly and are usually not preventable.

2. Hormonal Imbalances

Conditions such as thyroid disorders or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can affect a woman’s hormone levels, which are crucial for supporting a pregnancy. Low levels of progesterone, a hormone necessary for maintaining the uterine lining, can result in a miscarriage.

3. Uterine Abnormalities

Women with uterine abnormalities or an incompetent cervix (when the cervix opens too early in pregnancy) are at a higher risk of miscarriage, particularly in the second trimester. An abnormally shaped uterus can make it difficult for a fertilised egg to implant properly, leading to miscarriage.

4. Lifestyle Factors

Smoking, alcohol consumption, and recreational drug use are all linked to an increased risk of miscarriage. These substances can interfere with fetal development and cause complications early in pregnancy. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to prevent miscarriage caused by these factors.

5. Maternal Health Conditions

Chronic conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune diseases like lupus, and thyroid disease can all increase the risk of miscarriage. Proper management of these conditions can reduce the likelihood of pregnancy loss.

Types of Miscarriage

There are different types of miscarriages, and each may present with varying early signs and symptoms.

1. Threatened Miscarriage

In a threatened miscarriage, vaginal bleeding occurs, but the cervix remains closed. The pregnancy may still be viable, and many women with this type go on to have healthy pregnancies. However, it’s a sign that the pregnancy is at risk and should be monitored closely.

2. Incomplete Miscarriage

An incomplete miscarriage happens when some tissue from the pregnancy has passed, but some remains in the uterus. This can cause heavy bleeding and cramping and often requires medical intervention to remove the remaining tissue.

3. Missed Miscarriage

A missed miscarriage occurs when the fetus has died, but the body has not yet expelled the tissue. There may be no immediate signs such as bleeding or cramping, and the miscarriage is often discovered during a routine ultrasound.

4. Complete Miscarriage

A complete miscarriage means that all pregnancy tissue has passed from the body. Symptoms include heavy bleeding, cramping, and the passage of tissue. After a complete miscarriage, the bleeding should eventually taper off, and the uterus will return to its normal size.

How Is Miscarriage Treated?

If you’re experiencing miscarriage symptoms, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial. The miscarriage treatment depends on the type of miscarriage and the stage of pregnancy. We strongly recommend contacting a healthcare professional at the earliest sign of miscarriage for appropriate treatment.

1. Expectant Management

In cases of early miscarriage, some women may choose to allow the pregnancy tissue to pass naturally. This approach is called expectant management and can take a few weeks.

2. Medical Treatment

If the body doesn’t expel all the tissue on its own, or if a woman prefers not to wait, a doctor may prescribe medications which helps the uterus expel the tissue more quickly.

3. Surgical Treatment

In some cases, particularly for incomplete miscarriages, a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure is necessary. This involves removing the remaining tissue from the uterus to prevent infection and heavy bleeding.

Ways to Prevent Miscarriage

Although not all miscarriages can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk and support a healthy pregnancy.

1. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Avoid smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs. These lifestyle choices can significantly increase the risk of miscarriage and other pregnancy complications.

2. Manage Chronic Conditions

If you have diabetes, thyroid disease, or other chronic conditions, work closely with a healthcare provider to keep them under control during pregnancy.

3. Ensure Proper Nutrition

Good nutrition is essential for a healthy pregnancy. Folic acid, for instance, is important for fetal development and can reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Discuss with a healthcare provider about prenatal vitamins and a balanced diet.

4. Reduce Stress

While there is no definitive link between stress and miscarriage, managing stress can support your overall well-being. Consider practices such as meditation, yoga, or counselling to help manage stress.

What to Do If You Think You had a Miscarriage

If you experience any of the early miscarriage symptoms, such as bleeding, cramping, or the passage of tissue, seek medical attention immediately. While not all miscarriage bleeding leads to loss, it’s important to rule out complications.

Your doctor may perform ultrasound scans or blood tests to assess the situation and determine whether the pregnancy is still viable. If a miscarriage has occurred, they will discuss the next steps and offer recovery support.

Conclusion

Experiencing a miscarriage is a deeply personal and often devastating event. Understanding the miscarriage symptoms, such as bleeding and cramping, can help you seek the necessary care and support. While some causes of miscarriage, like chromosomal abnormalities, cannot be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and support a healthy pregnancy. Miscarriage is more common than many realise, and it’s important not to blame yourself. Most miscarriage causes and prevention factors are beyond anyone’s control. If you are experiencing symptoms or have suffered a loss, reach out to your healthcare provider and loved ones for support during this challenging time.

Frequently Asked Questions about Miscarriage: 

• How painful is a miscarriage?
  • Miscarriages can vary in terms of pain, ranging from mild cramping similar to menstrual periods to more intense pain depending on the type of miscarriage.
• What happens first during a miscarriage?
  • The first sign may be miscarriage bleeding or cramping, but some people have no symptoms and only discover the miscarriage during an ultrasound.
• How long does a miscarriage take?
  • The duration of a miscarriage varies. Some people may experience bleeding and cramping for several hours or days, depending on their body and the types of miscarriage involved.
• What are the risk factors for a miscarriage?
  • Risk factors include age, previous miscarriage, underlying health conditions like diabetes, and genetic abnormalities in the fetus.
• How many people have miscarriages?
  • About 10%-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, though the number could be higher due to early miscarriages that occur before a pregnancy is confirmed.
• What is my risk of miscarriage by week?
  • The risk of miscarriage is highest in the early stages of miscarriage, particularly in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The risk decreases significantly after the first trimester.
• How is a miscarriage diagnosed?
  • Miscarriages are typically diagnosed through an ultrasound that checks for a fetal heartbeat or through blood tests measuring hormone levels.
• What tests should I have after repeated miscarriages?
  • After multiple miscarriages, doctors may recommend genetic tests, blood tests, and imaging studies of the uterus to identify any underlying causes of miscarriage.
• How can I prevent another miscarriage?
  • While it’s not always possible to prevent miscarriages, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, attending prenatal care appointments, and managing underlying health conditions can reduce the risk. Consult your doctor for advice on ways to prevent miscarriage.
• Can I get pregnant after I’ve had a miscarriage?
  • Yes, most people can go on to have successful pregnancies after a miscarriage. It’s often recommended to wait until you’ve had one normal menstrual cycle before trying again.
• How soon can I get pregnant after a miscarriage?
  • Most healthcare providers recommend waiting until after your first normal period post-miscarriage to try to conceive again, but it’s important to consult your doctor.
• How can I cope with my miscarriage?
  • Emotional healing after a miscarriage takes time. It’s helpful to seek support from loved ones or consider joining a pregnancy loss support group. Counselling can also help. Schedule a session with a counsellor on Medicas. 
• Can stress cause a miscarriage?
  • While stress is often blamed, it’s not a common cause of miscarriage. Most miscarriages are due to chromosomal abnormalities rather than stress.
• What does miscarriage blood look like?
  • Miscarriage bleeding can start as light spotting and progress to heavy bleeding. It may be bright red, dark brown, or clot-filled.
• Can papaya cause miscarriage in early pregnancy?
  • Unripe papaya has been traditionally linked to miscarriage due to its latex content, which may cause uterine contractions. However, there is limited scientific evidence on this.
• Does miscarriage cause leg pain?
  • Leg pain is not a typical symptom of miscarriage, but some women may experience back or abdominal cramps, which could radiate down the legs.
• Does a miscarriage smell bad?
  • A miscarriage itself should not have a bad odour. However, if you experience an unusual smell along with fever or heavy bleeding, it could indicate an infection, and you should seek medical attention.
• Are men responsible for miscarriage?
  • Male factors, such as sperm quality, can contribute to pregnancy loss in some cases, but miscarriages are often due to chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo, not directly related to the father.
• Does miscarriage affect the father?
  • Miscarriage can be emotionally challenging for fathers as well. Both partners need to find emotional support during the grieving process.

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Disclaimer

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