Miscarriage

A miscarriage (also called a spontaneous abortion) is the unexpected ending of a pregnancy in the first 20 weeks of gestation. Just because it’s called a “miscarriage” doesn’t mean you did something wrong in carrying the pregnancy. Most miscarriages are beyond your control and occur because the fetus stops growing.

Types of miscarriage

Your pregnancy care provider may diagnose you with the following types of miscarriage:

• Missed miscarriage: You’ve lost the pregnancy but are unaware it’s happened. There are no symptoms of miscarriage, but an ultrasound confirms the fetus has no heartbeat.
• Complete miscarriage: You’ve lost the pregnancy and your uterus is empty. You’ve experienced bleeding and passed fetal tissue. Your provider can confirm a complete miscarriage with an ultrasound.
• Recurrent miscarriage: Three consecutive miscarriages. It affects about 1% of couples.
• Threatened miscarriage: Your cervix stays closed, but you’re bleeding and experiencing pelvic cramping. The pregnancy typically continues with no further issues. Your pregnancy care provider may monitor you more closely for the rest of your pregnancy.
• Inevitable miscarriage: You’re bleeding, cramping and your cervix has started to open (dilate). You may leak amniotic fluid. A complete miscarriage is likely.

How do I know if I’m having a miscarriage?

You may not be aware you’re having a miscarriage. In people who have symptoms of a miscarriage, the most common signs are:

• Bleeding that progresses from light to heavy. You may also pass grayish tissue or blood clots.
• Cramps and abdominal pain (usually worse than menstrual cramps).
• Low back ache that may range from mild to severe.
• A decrease in pregnancy symptoms.

Contact your pregnancy care provider right away if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. They will tell you to come into the office or go to the emergency room.