What is a Miscarriage?
A miscarriage happens when a pregnancy ends naturally before 20 weeks. Around 10 to 20 per cent of known pregnancies end this way.Some happen so early that you might not even know you were pregnant. The word “miscarriage” can make it feel like something went wrong or that it’s your fault, but that’s almost never the case. It's just your body responding to a pregnancy that isn’t developing the way it should.
Types of Miscarriage
Not all miscarriages are the same. Knowing the different miscarriage types can help you understand what’s happening and what to expect.Take a look at the main types:
- Chemical pregnancy: Happens very early, usually before 6 weeks. A pregnancy test might show positive, but the embryo doesn’t implant properly or stops growing soon after.
- Blighted ovum (anembryonic pregnancy): A gestational sac forms in the uterus, but no embryo develops inside. You might still feel pregnant because your body produces pregnancy hormones, but an ultrasound will show an empty sac.
- Ectopic pregnancy: It occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube.
- Molar pregnancy: A rare case where abnormal tissue grows instead of a baby due to a genetic issue.
- Threatened miscarriage: You have bleeding or mild cramping, but the cervix is closed. So the pregnancy might continue with proper care.
- Inevitable miscarriage: Bleeding and cramping occur, and the cervix dilates. This means the miscarriage is unavoidable.
- Complete miscarriage: This happens when your body naturally expels all the pregnancy tissue, usually before 12 weeks.
- Incomplete miscarriage: Some tissue passes, but some remains in the uterus.
- Missed miscarriage: The embryo or foetus stops developing with no obvious symptoms. It’s found during an ultrasound when no heartbeat is detected.
- Recurrent miscarriage: This is when you experience three or more miscarriages in a row.
- Septic miscarriage: A rare but serious complication where an infection develops in the uterus after a miscarriage. It may cause symptoms like fever, chills, or foul-smelling discharge.
Symptoms of Miscarriage
Miscarriage symptoms can vary depending on how far along you are and the type of early pregnancy loss.If you experience any of these symptoms, reach out to your doctor immediately:
- Vaginal bleeding, from light spotting to heavy flow
- Cramping or pain in your lower back or abdomen
- Passing fluid or tissue from the vagina
- A sudden drop in pregnancy symptoms
- A fast heartbeat
Causes of Miscarriage
Most early pregnancy loss happens because of factors beyond your control.These are some common causes:
- Chromosomal abnormalities (when the embryo has extra or missing chromosomes)
- Uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid disease, hormonal imbalances, or infections
- An abnormally shaped uterus, fibroids, or a weak cervix (cervical insufficiency)
- Smoking, heavy alcohol use, excessive caffeine, or illegal drug use
- Older age
- Genetic issues
Risk Factors for Miscarriage
Certain factors can make a miscarriage more likely, though having them doesn’t mean it will definitely happen:- Being over 35 years old
- Previous miscarriages
- Chronic conditions like diabetes or autoimmune disorders
- Uterine or cervical abnormalities
- Substance abuse
- Significantly underweight or overweight
- Carrying a genetic condition that affects the pregnancy
Diagnosing a Miscarriage
Your doctor will use a few methods to confirm an early pregnancy loss:- Pelvic exam: To check if your cervix has dilated.
- Ultrasound: To look for a foetal heartbeat or signs of development.
- Blood tests: To measure levels of pregnancy hormones (hCG) or check for anaemia if you’ve had heavy bleeding.
- Tissue tests: If you’ve passed tissue, it can be tested to confirm the miscarriage and rule out other causes.
- Chromosome tests: If miscarriages have happened more than once, your doctor may test you and your partner for genetic issues.
Complications of Miscarriage
Most miscarriages resolve without issues, but sometimes complications can occur:- Septic miscarriage: This is a rare infection in the uterus. Watch for fever over 100.4°F, chills, foul-smelling discharge, or abdominal pain. It’s serious and needs urgent medical attention.
- Haemorrhage: Heavy bleeding with symptoms like a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or tiredness. This may require blood transfusions or surgery.
How to Prevent a Miscarriage
You can’t always prevent a miscarriage, especially if it’s caused by chromosomal issues.But there are steps you can take to support a healthy pregnancy:
- Take a daily prenatal vitamin.
- Keep chronic conditions like diabetes or thyroid disease under control.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, illegal drugs, and limit caffeine.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Get regular prenatal check-ups.
Getting Pregnant After an Early Pregnancy Loss
You can usually try to conceive after one normal menstrual cycle. Sometimes, your doctor may suggest waiting a little longer depending on your situation.Going through a miscarriage is really hard, both on your body and your emotions. It’s normal to feel upset, confused, or even scared. You’re not alone in this. Learning what’s happening can help you feel more in control and ready for what comes next.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on When a Pregnancy Ends Too Soon: Understanding Miscarriage
- Can stress cause miscarriage?
Everyday stress does not usually cause miscarriage. Severe and long-term stress may have some effect, but most miscarriages happen due to genetic or medical reasons. - Are you more fertile after a miscarriage?
Some researchers suggest fertility may be slightly higher in the first few months after a miscarriage. But it mostly depends on your health, cycle, and recovery.