A miscarriage, defined as a pregnancy that ends on its own within the first 20 weeks of gestation, is the most common type of pregnancy loss. Miscarriage symptoms can vary greatly, making it important to understand the signs and seek medical attention if necessary. Studies reveal that anywhere from 10-25% of all clinically recognized pregnancies will end in miscarriage. Additionally, chemical pregnancies, which occur shortly after implantation, may account for 50-75% of all miscarriages.
Warning Signs of Miscarriage
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider or visit a medical facility to evaluate if a miscarriage is occurring:
- Bleeding: May start as light spotting or could be heavier, appearing as a gush of blood. As the cervix dilates to expel the contents of the uterus, the bleeding becomes heavier. The heaviest bleeding usually subsides within three to five hours, with lighter bleeding potentially lasting one to two weeks.
- Blood Color: The color can range from pink to red to brown. Red blood indicates fresh blood, while brown blood suggests older blood that has been in the uterus for some time.
- Amount of Bleeding: The amount of bleeding varies based on how far along the pregnancy was and whether the miscarriage is progressing naturally. If you fill more than two sanitary pads per hour for two or more hours in a row, contact your doctor.
Other miscarriage symptoms may include:
- Mild to Severe Back Pain: Often worse than normal menstrual cramps.
- Weight Loss
- White-Pink Mucus: Coming from the vagina.
- True Contractions: Painful contractions occurring every 5-20 minutes.
- Tissue Passing: Tissue with clot-like material passing from the vagina.
- Sudden Decrease in Pregnancy Symptoms
Most miscarriages occur during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. While pregnancy is an exciting time, understanding the potential symptoms of miscarriage is crucial.
What Causes Miscarriage?
The most common cause of miscarriage during the first trimester is chromosomal abnormality. Chromosomes are tiny structures inside cells that carry genes, and an abnormality usually occurs due to a problem with the egg or sperm or during the zygote’s division process. However, there are many other potential causes:
- Infection
- Exposure to Environmental and Workplace Hazards: Such as high levels of radiation or toxic agents.
- Hormonal Irregularities
- Improper Implantation: Of the fertilized egg in the uterine lining.
- Maternal Age
- Uterine Abnormalities
- Incompetent Cervix: The cervix begins to widen and open too early.
- Lifestyle Factors: Such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or using illegal drugs.
- Immune System Disorders: Including lupus.
- Chronic Health Conditions: Such as severe kidney disease or uncontrolled diabetes.
- Certain Medications: Including isotretinoin (Accutane®) for acne.
- Severe Malnutrition
- Group B Beta Strep
It is important to note that there is no evidence that stress, moderate exercise, or sexual activity causes miscarriage.
What are the Chances of Having a Miscarriage?
- Women Under 35: About a 15% chance.
- Women 35-45: A 20-35% chance.
- Women Over 45: Up to a 50% chance.
- Previous Miscarriage: A 25% chance of having another miscarriage.
Types of Miscarriage
Miscarriage is often a process rather than a single event, and there are several types:
- Threatened Miscarriage: Early pregnancy bleeding with cramping or lower backache, but the cervix remains closed.
- Inevitable or Incomplete Miscarriage: Bleeding with an open cervix, leading to miscarriage. If not complete, bleeding and cramps may persist.
- Complete Miscarriage: All contents of the uterus have been expelled, with bleeding and pain subsiding quickly.
- Missed Miscarriage: Embryonic death occurs without expulsion, often discovered through loss of pregnancy symptoms and absence of fetal heart tones.
- Recurrent Miscarriage (RM): Defined as three or more consecutive first-trimester miscarriages.
Related Issues
- Blighted Ovum: A fertilized egg implants but does not develop further.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: A fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tube.
- Molar Pregnancy: A genetic error leads to abnormal tissue growth instead of a developing embryo.
Miscarriage Treatment Options
The main goal of miscarriage treatment is to prevent hemorrhaging and infection. If the body does not expel all tissue, a dilation and curettage (D&C) may be performed. If you experience increased bleeding, chills, or fever after returning home, contact your physician immediately.
Prevention
Most miscarriages cannot be prevented due to chromosomal abnormalities. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy can create a supportive environment:
- Exercise Regularly
- Eat a Healthy Diet
- Manage Stress
- Maintain a Healthy Weight
- Take Folic Acid Daily
- Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Emotional Treatment for a Miscarriage
Miscarriage can be an emotionally challenging experience. Open communication with family, friends, and healthcare providers is essential for emotional recovery.