Miscarriage: Symptoms, Causes & When To Seek Help
Is the emotional and physical toll of pregnancy loss more common than we realize? Statistics show that miscarriage affects a significant percentage of pregnancies, yet the conversation often remains shrouded in silence.
Miscarriage, the sudden loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week, is a far more prevalent experience than many acknowledge. While the term itself might suggest a failure within the pregnancy, it's crucial to understand the multifaceted nature of this sensitive issue. Approximately 10% to 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, a figure that likely underestimates the true incidence due to early losses often occurring before a woman even realizes she is pregnant. These early miscarriages, also referred to as biochemical pregnancies, can occur before the sixth week of gestation.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | The spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation. After 20 weeks, the loss is termed fetal demise. |
| Prevalence | Affects 10-20% of known pregnancies. The actual number is likely higher due to early miscarriages before pregnancy awareness. |
| Types |
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| Symptoms |
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| Diagnosis | Often diagnosed during a routine ultrasound. A "threatened miscarriage" is suspected if heavy bleeding occurs before 20 weeks, but the miscarriage hasn't happened yet. |
| Causes |
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| Treatment | Varies depending on the type and stage of the miscarriage. In some cases, expectant management is appropriate. In other instances, medical intervention like medication or surgical procedures (D&C) might be necessary. |
| Recovery |
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| Resources | Mayo Clinic: Miscarriage |
The main signs of a miscarriage, or that a person is about to miscarry, often manifest as pain and cramps in the pelvic area, coupled with vaginal bleeding. The intensity of these symptoms tends to increase as the miscarriage progresses. However, it's important to recognize that not all pregnancies will present with noticeable symptoms. In many instances, miscarriages occur without the affected person being aware of any impending signs.
If a healthcare professional suspects a miscarriage might occur at any point up to 20 weeks they may diagnose a "threatened miscarriage" if heavy bleeding is present. This means a miscarriage hasn't definitively occurred yet, and there is a chance the pregnancy may continue. Fetal cardiac activity can even be detected during an ultrasound in such cases.
A late miscarriage is defined as the loss of a baby after week 13 but before week 20, or during the second trimester. Late miscarriages can have a number of factors that causes it.
It's essential to understand that a miscarriage is most likely to occur in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. Furthermore, some women may experience a miscarriage before they even realize they are pregnant. When faced with a suspected pregnancy loss, a doctor may choose various methods to confirm the situation.
For those seeking more in-depth understanding, the association between the loss of pregnancy symptoms and miscarriage at various gestational stages, such as 7 weeks, 10 weeks, and 15 weeks, is something to be aware of. Furthermore, the signs of miscarriage should never be ignored.
Sometimes, growth measurements can indicate that the fetal heartbeat stopped weeks prior. For example, a woman who is 11 weeks pregnant might have fetal measurements that correspond to only 7 weeks.
A "missed miscarriage" is a specific type where the embryo or fetus has died, but the body has not yet recognized the loss, and there are no outward symptoms. This is in contrast to a "complete miscarriage" where the embryo or products of conception have emptied out of the uterus. A miscarriage is considered inevitable when there is a dilation or effacement of the cervix, or a rupture of the membranes.
Bleeding and cramps may continue if the miscarriage is not complete. A miscarriage may cause bleeding, cramping, and a decrease in pregnancy symptoms. After 10 weeks, the embryo transitions into a fetus and grows larger.
Symptoms of miscarriage at 6 weeks can be particularly challenging. The baby's heartbeat may be audible during tests at this time. Bleeding that resembles a heavy period is one of the common signs during the sixth week.
Early miscarriages can present with varying levels of bleeding and cramping. A miscarriage at week two of a pregnancy might result in less bleeding or cramping compared to a miscarriage at week 12, due to the stage of fetal development.
For those who have experienced a miscarriage, there may be lingering abdominal discomfort and light bleeding, especially in the days or weeks following the event. The menstrual period usually returns within 4 to 6 weeks. After a miscarriage, you can anticipate some cramping and bleeding, similar to a period. This bleeding will typically lighten over time, stopping within approximately two weeks. Signs of pregnancy, such as nausea and tender breasts, usually diminish in the days after a miscarriage. In the case of a late miscarriage, the breasts might produce some milk.
A doctor often talks about the miscarriage symptoms and signs to look out for.
Spotting and light bleeding are common in early pregnancy but not always indicative of a miscarriage.
The risk of miscarriage significantly decreases as the pregnancy progresses. Research shows a miscarriage rate of approximately 9.4% at 6 weeks, 4.2% at 7 weeks, 1.5% at 8 weeks, and 0.5% at later stages.
Miscarriages at 6 weeks can be difficult. The bleeding, cramps, and fading pregnancy symptoms can cause distress. It is important to know the possible causes of miscarriage, like chromosomal abnormalities, lifestyle factors, and infections.
"I was unaware of the signs of miscarriage at 6 weeks, but after visiting the hospital, a miscarriage was confirmed," shared one individual. "Throughout the whole process of my first pregnancy, I was experiencing bad signs, cramping and bleeding, etc. The worst happened around the sixth week. Miscarriage was confirmed by my doctor."
