Miscarriage / 10 symptoms

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Losing a pregnancy is one of the most heartbreaking experiences a woman can face. It’s crucial to know the common symptoms of miscarriage¹. Miscarriage affects about 10 to 20 percent of pregnancies on average. Knowing the early signs can help you get the medical help and support you need.

Going through a pregnancy loss is an emotional journey. My heart is with anyone who has been through this. If you’re reading this, know you’re not alone. The pain and uncertainty you feel are real, and there is help and healing available. We’ll look at the key symptoms to watch for, so you can be informed and empowered during this tough time.

Understanding Miscarriage: What You Need to Know

Miscarriage, or spontaneous abortion, is a common and often devastating occurrence during pregnancy. It’s important to understand the different types, the typical timeline, and risk factors. This knowledge can help provide clarity and support during this challenging time.

Types of Pregnancy Loss

Miscarriage can take various forms, including chemical pregnancy, threatened miscarriage, and more². Knowing the specific type can guide medical management and emotional healing.

When Miscarriage Typically Occurs

The majority of miscarriages, around 80 percent, happen in the first trimester before the 12th week of pregnancy. While the risk decreases in the second and third trimesters, it’s crucial to watch for any concerning symptoms throughout the entire pregnancy.

Risk Factors and Statistics

Several factors can increase the risk of miscarriage, including advanced maternal age and certain health conditions. It’s estimated that between 10 to 20 in 100 known pregnancies (10 to 20 percent) end in miscarriage. Understanding these risk factors and statistics can help individuals prepare for and navigate the challenges of pregnancy loss.

Seeking support from healthcare providers, counseling, and online resources can be invaluable for those experiencing the grief and uncertainty of a miscarriage. Remember, you are not alone, and there are resources and compassionate care available to help guide you through this difficult time.

Vaginal Bleeding and Spotting During Pregnancy

Vaginal bleeding is a common concern during pregnancy. It can vary from light pink spotting to heavy, bright red bleeding with clots³. Spotting or light bleeding is common, especially in the first 12 weeks. But, any heavy bleeding needs immediate medical help.

Bleeding early in pregnancy might mean miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. About 1 in 5 pregnancies end in miscarriage, mostly in the first 12 weeks. Ectopic pregnancies, where the embryo implants outside the uterus, are rare but dangerous if not treated.

Later in pregnancy, bleeding can signal serious issues like placental abruption, placenta previa, or vasa previa. Placental abruption, where the placenta detaches, is dangerous for both mother and baby. Placenta previa, affecting 1 in 200 pregnancies, requires immediate care⁴. Vasa previa, a rare condition, poses a severe risk to the baby.

If you experience vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, seek medical help right away. Avoid tampons to prevent infection and use sanitary pads instead. Your healthcare provider will do tests like ultrasounds and blood work to find out why you’re bleeding. You might need to change your activities or go to the hospital for close monitoring.

Remember, while vaginal bleeding during pregnancy can be scary, it doesn’t always mean a serious issue. But, it’s vital to get medical help quickly to keep you and your baby safe.

Severe Cramping and Abdominal Pain

Severe pregnancy cramps and intense abdominal pain can be scary signs of a miscarriage. These cramps are often more painful than usual menstrual cramps, especially for those who don’t usually feel much pain. The pain can feel like a dull ache or sharp, stabbing pains, similar to strong period pains.

Distinguishing Between Normal and Concerning Pain

It’s key to know the difference between normal pregnancy discomfort and pain that might be serious. Mild to moderate cramping is common, but severe, persistent pain needs immediate medical help.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If you have severe, unrelenting abdominal pain or cramps, especially with bleeding, get emergency care right away. Pain that doesn’t get better with rest or medication could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy or other serious issues.

Pain Management Options

For milder cramps, over-the-counter pain meds, heat, and warm baths can help. But always check with your healthcare provider before taking any medication during pregnancy. They might suggest stronger pain relievers or other treatments for miscarriage pain.

“Miscarriage cramps can be much more painful than typical menstrual cramps, especially for those who don’t usually experience much cramping during their periods.”

Symptom	Indication
Mild to moderate cramping	Normal pregnancy discomfort
Severe, persistent pain	Potential miscarriage or other complication

Sudden Decrease in Pregnancy Symptoms

During pregnancy, you might feel morning sickness, breast tenderness, and be very tired. If these symptoms suddenly go away, it could mean you’re having a miscarriage.

But, symptoms can change over time, and a drop in them doesn’t always mean trouble. As pregnancy goes on, some women find their morning sickness or breast tenderness gets better.

If you notice a drop in symptoms and also see vaginal bleeding or severe cramps, call your doctor right away. These signs could mean you’re having a miscarriage and need quick medical help.

A sudden drop in symptoms can be scary, but remember, every pregnancy is different. Talking often with your healthcare provider can help you get through this tough time and get the care you need⁸.

Symptom	Typical Duration
Morning Sickness	Usually subsides by the end of the first trimester
Breast Tenderness	May continue throughout the pregnancy, but may decrease in intensity
Fatigue	Tends to improve during the second trimester, but can persist throughout the pregnancy

If you’re worried about a sudden drop in your symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider. They can check on you, offer advice, and tell you what to do next to keep you and your baby safe.

“Pregnancy is a miraculous journey, and it’s natural for the body to experience changes throughout the process. If you have any concerns about your symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for support and guidance.”

Back Pain and Pressure Changes

Back pain and changes in pelvic pressure can be worrying signs during pregnancy. They might mean a miscarriage is happening. But, it’s key to know that back pain is common in pregnancy, especially later on.

Types of Back Pain to Watch For

Back pain in pregnancy can be mild or very bad. About 60–70% of pregnancies have some back pain, with a third being severe. Things like past back pain, age, and how many times you’ve been pregnant can make back pain more likely.

Pregnant people might also feel more pelvic pressure or a heavy feeling in their lower belly. This could mean miscarriage, especially later in pregnancy. But, weight gain during pregnancy, which can be 24.25–26.45 pounds (11–12 kilograms), can also cause these feelings, even without miscarriage.

Back pain and pelvic pressure can be scary, but it’s important to tell the difference between normal discomfort and serious symptoms. If you have severe or ongoing back pain, or other signs like leaking fluid, sudden swelling, headaches, or blurred vision, call your healthcare provider right away.

Symptom	Description	Potential Cause
Back Pain	Mild to severe discomfort in the lower back region	Postural changes, weight gain, diastasis recti
Pelvic Pressure	Feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the lower abdomen	Weight gain, impending miscarriage

Knowing about different back pain and pressure symptoms can help you spot miscarriage signs. This way, you can get medical help quickly if needed.

Passing Tissue or Clot-like Material

Passing tissue or clot-like material during pregnancy can be scary. It often means a miscarriage or incomplete miscarriage. It’s key to know what it means and what to do next

Miscarriages happen in about 10 in 100 pregnancies, says the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). If you have an incomplete miscarriage, some tissue might leave your body, but some stays inside. Saving any tissue you pass is important. It helps doctors confirm the miscarriage and check for other issues.

The look of the material you pass can tell doctors about your miscarriage. Miscarriage clots are bigger than usual period clots and might have white or gray tissue. If the clots or tissue are big or you’re bleeding a lot, get medical help right away. This could mean a serious issue like a retained placenta or uterine atony, which needs quick treatment.

While the physical pain of a miscarriage usually goes away in a day, the emotional pain can last longer. If you’re feeling down after a miscarriage, talk to your doctor or a mental health expert.

Passing tissue or clot-like material during pregnancy is worrying. But, staying calm and getting medical help quickly is crucial. Most people who have a miscarriage can have a successful pregnancy later.

Changes in Cervical Mucus and Discharge

During pregnancy, cervical mucus and vaginal discharge can tell you a lot about your health and pregnancy. Some discharge is normal, but sudden changes might mean a miscarriage is possible. It’s key to watch these changes and talk to your doctor if you notice anything odd.

Normal vs. Abnormal Discharge

A healthy pregnancy means more clear, stretchy cervical mucus. This “egg white” mucus shows ovulation and fertility. But, brown, pink, or bloody discharge might mean a miscarriage. Also, bad-smelling discharge could mean an infection, which needs quick doctor care.

Warning Signs to Monitor

Watch for sudden changes in your cervical mucus or vaginal discharge. Color, consistency, and amount can show problems. For instance, thick white discharge might be a yeast infection, while bright red or heavy bleeding could be a miscarriage sign. If you see any worrying changes, call your doctor fast.

It’s always safer to be cautious with your health and pregnancy. Knowing what’s normal and abnormal in cervical mucus and discharge helps you stay alert. If you see any warning signs, get medical help right away.

Loss of Fetal Movement

Feeling less fetal movement can be scary, possibly meaning miscarriage or stillbirth. By the 20th week, most women can feel their baby moving. If you notice a drop or stop in these movements, tell your doctor right away. IUFD, or stillbirth, happens in about 1 in 160 births each year, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Fetal movement patterns vary, and not all women feel it the same way. Tracking these movements, known as kick counts, between 16 and 28 weeks can spot issues early. A big sign of stillbirth is feeling the baby move less. You might also feel cramps, pain, or bleeding.

Stillbirth hits over 20,000 U.S families each year. In Washington, the stillbirth rate is 57 per 10,000 births, matching the national rate. It’s more common in people over 40 and in certain racial groups like American Indian/Alaska Native, Black, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander in Washington.

Placental issues cause about 24% of stillbirths, and umbilical cord problems account for 10%. Infections like CMV, genital and urinary tract infections, listeriosis, syphilis, and toxoplasmosis are common causes. Pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and preterm labor, can also lead to stillbirth. Issues like fetal growth restriction, birth defects, and not getting enough oxygen during labor can also cause stillbirth.

Managing gestational diabetes and high blood pressure is key to lowering stillbirth risk. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 was linked to a 15% drop in stillbirth risk for pregnant people.

“Less than 5 percent of stillbirths are recorded globally, and intrauterine fetal demise is the 5th leading cause of death worldwide. Unexplained stillbirth is reported in 76% of cases globally, and an estimated 98% of global stillbirths occur in low and middle-income countries.”

If you see a big drop or stop in fetal movement, call your healthcare provider right away. Quick action can help ensure the best outcome for you and your baby.

Early Signs of Miscarriage Before Missed Period

Loss of a pregnancy is tough. It’s key to know the early signs of miscarriage, even before missing a period. These signs can help you get medical help quickly. Let’s look at the early signs of early miscarriage, chemical pregnancy, and other signs in the first trimester that might mean a pregnancy loss.

Chemical Pregnancy Signs

A chemical pregnancy happens early, before 6 weeks. It’s often seen only through a positive pregnancy test, followed by a negative test or light bleeding around the expected period.

First Trimester Indicators

In the first trimester, look out for mild cramping, light spotting or bleeding, and a drop in pregnancy symptoms. Some spotting or light bleeding is normal in early pregnancy and doesn’t always mean trouble. But, any worrying symptoms should be checked by your healthcare provider right away¹⁹²⁰²¹.

If you have heavy vaginal bleeding and severe belly pain, get emergency care. This could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, which is very dangerous.

Early signs of miscarriage can be tricky and different for everyone. If you’re worried or have questions, talk to your healthcare provider. They can offer guidance and support during this tough time.

Different Types of Miscarriage

Miscarriage is when a pregnancy ends early. It can happen in many ways. Knowing the types helps you spot symptoms and get the right care.

A threatened miscarriage means bleeding with a still-growing fetus. The baby stays in the womb, and the pregnancy might go on.

An inevitable miscarriage happens when the cervix opens too much. This means the baby can’t stay inside. It’s marked by heavy bleeding and pain.

An incomplete miscarriage is when only some of the pregnancy is lost. You might need a doctor to remove the rest.

A complete miscarriage is when all the pregnancy is gone. You might not need more treatment.

A missed miscarriage is when the baby has died but hasn’t been lost yet. It’s found during an ultrasound.

Last, recurrent miscarriage is when you lose two babies in a row. Doctors might look into why this keeps happening²³.

Knowing about these types and their signs helps women get help fast. Quick action can make a big difference in how you feel and recover.

Type of Miscarriage	Description
Threatened Miscarriage	Vaginal bleeding with a viable pregnancy
Inevitable Miscarriage	Cervix has dilated, pregnancy cannot be sustained
Incomplete Miscarriage	Some, but not all, pregnancy tissue has been expelled
Complete Miscarriage	All pregnancy tissue has been expelled
Missed Miscarriage	Fetus has died, but tissue has not been expelled
Recurrent Miscarriage	Two or more consecutive miscarriages

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

Knowing when to seek medical help during pregnancy is key. Look out for heavy bleeding, pain, fever, chills, or dizziness. These signs could mean a serious issue like an ectopic pregnancy.

Emergency Symptoms

For milder symptoms like cramping or light spotting, call your doctor. They’ll decide if you need to see them or if you can wait But, if you’re worried, it’s best to get checked out.

Medical Evaluation Process

When you see your doctor, they might do a pelvic exam, ultrasound, and blood tests. If you’re Rh-negative, they might give you Rh immune globulin for future pregnancies. For heavy bleeding or pain, go to the emergency room right away.

If you would like to read more about this topic, please click on the link

https://www.mommyandwomb.com/miscarriage-2/

FAQ

What are the common signs of miscarriage?

Signs of miscarriage include vaginal bleeding and severe cramping. You might also notice a sudden drop in pregnancy symptoms. Other signs are back pain, passing tissue, and changes in cervical mucus.

When does a miscarriage typically occur?

Most miscarriages happen in the first 3 months. The risk is about 1 in 5 after week 5. It drops to 2-4% between weeks 8-13, and 1% or less after week 14.

What are the risk factors for miscarriage?

Risk factors include being over 35 and having diseases like diabetes. Also, having had two or more previous miscarriages increases the risk. Most miscarriages are due to genetic problems in the embryo or fetus.

What should I do if I experience heavy bleeding or severe pain?

Call your healthcare provider if you have heavy bleeding or severe pain. Seek emergency care for very heavy bleeding or severe pain.

How can I tell if my cervical mucus and discharge are abnormal?

Normal discharge changes during pregnancy. But sudden changes in color, consistency, or amount should be watched. Abnormal discharge may be brown, pink, or contain blood. Foul-smelling discharge could mean an infection and needs immediate medical attention.

What are the different types of miscarriage?

Miscarriage types include threatened miscarriage (bleeding with a viable pregnancy) and inevitable miscarriage (bleeding with a dilated cervix). There’s also incomplete miscarriage (some tissue remains), complete miscarriage (all tissue has passed), missed miscarriage (fetus has died but not been expelled), and recurrent miscarriage (two or more consecutive losses).

How is a miscarriage diagnosed and evaluated?

The process includes a pelvic exam, ultrasound, blood tests, and tissue tests. If you’re Rh negative, you may need Rh immune globulin.

What are the early signs of miscarriage before a missed period?

Early signs include a positive pregnancy test followed by a negative test. You might also see very early spotting or bleeding. Chemical pregnancies, which occur before 6 weeks, may only be detected by early pregnancy tests.

Can a sudden decrease in pregnancy symptoms be a sign of miscarriage?

Yes, a sudden decrease in pregnancy symptoms can be a sign. But remember, symptoms naturally fluctuate and may decrease as the pregnancy progresses.

What types of back pain and pressure changes may indicate a miscarriage?

Increased pelvic pressure or a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen may occur. Back pain is common in normal pregnancies. It’s important to distinguish between normal discomfort and concerning pain that could indicate a problem.

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