What is Miscarriage?

Miscarriage is when an embryo or fetus dies before the 20th week of pregnancy. It usually happens early — 8 out of 10 miscarriages occur in the first 3 months. Despite being common (10–20% of pregnancies), it’s emotionally difficult. Feelings of grief and loss are normal. The medical term for miscarriage is “spontaneous abortion.”

Causes of Miscarriage

Miscarriages aren’t typically caused by the pregnant person's actions. Normal activities like sex, exercise, or working do NOT cause miscarriage. Known causes include:

• Chromosomal abnormalities in the fertilized egg
• Severe illness like diabetes
• Major infections or injury
• Uterine abnormalities (especially after 3 months)
• Recurrent miscarriages (2+ in a row)

Symptoms of Miscarriage

• Heavy spotting or vaginal bleeding
• Discharge of tissue or fluid
• Severe abdominal or back pain

Health Conditions That Can Interfere With Fetal Development

• Poor diet or malnutrition
• Drug or alcohol use
• Advanced maternal age
• Untreated thyroid disease
• Hormonal issues
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Infections or trauma
• Obesity
• Uterine or cervical problems
• Severe high blood pressure
• Food poisoning
• Certain medications (check with your doctor)

Risk Factors

• Body trauma
• Radiation or chemical exposure
• Smoking, alcohol, or drug use
• Excessive caffeine
• Being underweight or overweight
• Chronic uncontrolled conditions
• Uterine or cervical abnormalities
• Maternal age over 35 (risk increases with age)

Note: One miscarriage does not mean future miscarriages. Most women go on to have full-term pregnancies.

Types of Miscarriage

• Threatened Miscarriage: Vaginal bleeding and mild cramps; pregnancy may or may not continue.
• Inevitable Miscarriage: Bleeding increases and cervix opens; pregnancy cannot continue.
• Incomplete Miscarriage: Some tissue passes, some remains.
• Complete Miscarriage: All tissue passes; no extra treatment needed.
• Missed Miscarriage: No symptoms, but ultrasound shows no heartbeat.

Prevention Tips

• Attend regular prenatal visits
• Avoid alcohol, drugs, and smoking
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stay hygienic and avoid infections
• Limit caffeine (max 200mg/day)
• Take prenatal vitamins
• Eat a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables

What To Do After a Miscarriage

• Take time to grieve and heal
• Reach out to loved ones for support
• Store baby items until you’re ready
• Create a remembrance gesture (e.g., plant a tree)
• Seek therapy or grief counseling
• Join in-person or online support groups

Testing After Multiple Miscarriages:

• Hormone and blood tests
• Chromosomal analysis
• Pelvic/uterine exams

Note on Vanishing Twin Syndrome

In twin pregnancies, one fetus may disappear (vanishing twin syndrome). It is often reabsorbed into the placenta and may occur so early that it goes undetected.