Most miscarriages occur in the first trimester, which is before many women have even had their first prenatal appointment. Chromosomal abnormalities are responsible for up to 50% of all miscarriages, but it’s possible that the actual number is higher since many early miscarriages occur before the embryo or fetus has developed enough to be tested for chromosomal abnormalities.
In many cases, women may not know they are pregnant until after they have already experienced a miscarriage. If a woman does have an early pregnancy loss, chromosomal testing may not be done unless there is a specific reason to suspect that it was a factor. However, if a woman has recurrent miscarriages or other factors that increase the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, testing may be done earlier in the pregnancy or after a miscarriage occurs.
It’s important to understand that while chromosomal abnormalities are a common cause of miscarriage, they are not always the only cause. Other factors such as hormonal imbalances, underlying health conditions, abnormalities of the uterus, and lifestyle factors can also contribute to the risk of miscarriage.
Terminology we use
When someone has a miscarriage, there are different words that people use to describe it. Some words are used by doctors and scientists to explain what’s happening, while others are used by regular people in everyday conversation. Some of the most common words people use to describe a miscarriage are “miscarriage” and “stillbirth” and “abortion (AB).” Using the term “abortion” to describe a miscarriage can be stigmatizing, as it implies that the woman had some control over the loss, when in reality, miscarriages often occur naturally and are beyond anyone’s control.
You don’t have to memorize these terms, but it helps to understand the words we use and makes it easier to understand what is happening and options available to you.
- “Miscarriage” means the pregnancy ended before the 20th week of pregnancy. This is a word that people use a lot in everyday conversation because it’s more neutral and less stigmatizing than other words like “abortion.”
- “Stillbirth” is a word that people use to describe when the baby dies after the 20th week of pregnancy. This is a very sad and hard thing for families to go through.
- “Chemical pregnancy” is a word that means the pregnancy ended very early, before the baby could even be seen on an ultrasound. This is why it’s called a “chemical” pregnancy because it was only detected through chemical tests like a pregnancy test.
- “Missed abortion” is a word used to explain when the baby has died, but it hasn’t come out of the mom’s body yet. Doctors might find out about this during a routine ultrasound or if they can’t hear the baby’s heartbeat.
- “Threatened abortion” is a word used to explain when the mom is bleeding, but the cervix is still closed and there are no other signs of miscarriage. This means that there’s a chance the pregnancy will be okay, but there’s also a chance it might not be.
How do you know if you’re having a miscarriage?
Every woman’s body is different, which means that the signs and symptoms of a miscarriage can be different too. Some women may experience vaginal bleeding, which can range from light spotting to heavy bleeding, while others may not have any bleeding at all. Some women may have cramping in their lower abdomen or back, which can be mild or severe, while others may have no cramping at all.
Other possible symptoms of a miscarriage may include passing tissue or clots from the vagina, a decrease in the usual pregnancy symptoms such as nausea or breast tenderness, or a feeling that something is just not right. However, it’s important to note that not all women who experience these symptoms will have a miscarriage. In some cases, these symptoms may be caused by other factors such as a threatened miscarriage, a subchorionic hematoma, or an ectopic pregnancy.
That’s why it’s important to talk to a doctor or healthcare provider if you have any unusual symptoms or concerns during pregnancy. They can perform an exam, ultrasound, or blood test to determine if a miscarriage has occurred or if there are other concerns that require medical attention. If you are experiencing any unusual symptoms during pregnancy, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance and support. They are there to help you navigate the ups and downs of pregnancy and ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.
What happens during a miscarriage?
During a natural miscarriage, the body expels the pregnancy tissue on its own without any medical intervention. This can happen in different ways and can vary from woman to woman, depending on how far along the pregnancy was and other factors.
Most commonly, a natural miscarriage will involve vaginal bleeding and cramping, which can range from mild to severe. The bleeding may start out light and gradually become heavier over time, and the cramping may be similar to menstrual cramps. Some women may also pass tissue or clots from the vagina. Every woman’s experience with a natural miscarriage is unique, and some women may not have as much bleeding or cramping as others. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any unusual symptoms during a natural miscarriage, such as heavy bleeding, severe pain or cramping, or signs of infection such as fever or chills. You should also seek medical attention right away if you pass large clots or tissue, or if you are bleeding through more than one pad or tampon per hour.
Additionally, if you have a history of recurrent miscarriages or other risk factors for complications, such as a history of uterine surgery or a bleeding disorder, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about what to expect during a natural miscarriage and to develop a plan for monitoring and managing any potential complications.
If you are experiencing any unusual symptoms during a natural miscarriage or have concerns about your health, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance and support. They can help determine if any medical intervention is necessary and ensure that you receive the care and support you need. Deciding whether you need surgery to help the process is different for everyone and needs to be an open discussion with you doctor.
If I don’t want to wait for a natural miscarriage, what are my options?
If you do not wish to wait for a natural miscarriage, there are several options available to you. The right option for you will depend on several factors, including how far along the pregnancy is and your personal preferences and medical history. Here are a few options to consider:
- Waiting and watching is called expectant management: If the pregnancy is very early and there are no signs of infection or other complications, your healthcare provider may recommend waiting to see if the miscarriage occurs naturally. This is known as expectant management, and your healthcare provider will monitor you closely to ensure that there are no signs of infection or other complications.
- Medication: Your healthcare provider may recommend medication to help your body expel the pregnancy tissue. This may involve taking a medication called misoprostol, which helps the uterus contract and expel the tissue. This is typically done on an outpatient basis, and you will be given instructions for how to take the medication and what to expect.
- Dilation and curettage (D&C): A D&C is a procedure that involves manually removing the pregnancy tissue from the uterus. This is typically done under sedation or general anesthesia and involves dilating the cervix and using surgical tools to remove the tissue.
- We usually offer all of these options as long as your body is healthy and you are not experiencing heavy bleeding or severe pain. However, there are times where the other options are not advisable and intervening with surgery is the only option.
The emotional and physical toll of having a miscarriage
Losing a pregnancy is a deeply personal and emotional experience that can leave women feeling overwhelmed, confused, and alone. Whether it occurs early in the first trimester or later on, a miscarriage can be a painful and traumatic event. It’s important for women to know that they are not alone, and that it’s normal to feel a range of emotions during this time. By sharing stories, offering support, and providing compassionate resources, we can help women navigate the difficult journey of pregnancy loss and find healing and hope for the future.
Physically, a miscarriage can also be a painful and traumatic event. It often involves cramping, bleeding, and passing tissue, which can be difficult and scary, especially for women who are unprepared or unaware of what to expect. The physical experience of miscarriage can also contribute to the emotional toll.
Having a miscarriage can be emotionally isolating, as it is not always openly discussed in society or among friends and family. Women may feel alone in their grief and struggle to find support and understanding from those around them. The stigma surrounding pregnancy loss can make it difficult for women to share their experiences and seek the support they need.
All of these factors can contribute to the intense pain and sorrow that many women experience during and after a miscarriage. It’s important for women to take the time to grieve and heal, and to seek out support from loved ones or professionals who can help them navigate this difficult time.
If you’ve experienced a miscarriage, it’s understandable to feel like you could have done something to prevent it. But the truth is, you couldn’t have. Miscarriage is a common occurrence that can happen to anyone, and it’s not your fault. It’s easy to blame yourself, but you need to know that there are a lot of factors that can contribute to the risk of miscarriage, and most of them are out of your control. It’s natural to feel sad, confused, and even guilty after a miscarriage. You might feel like you’ve failed in some way, or like you’ve let down your partner or family. But it’s important to remember that these feelings are normal, and that you’re not alone in experiencing them. Remember, you didn’t cause your miscarriage, and you don’t deserve to blame yourself for something that was beyond your control. Be kind to yourself, take time to grieve, and seek out the support and care that you need to heal.
You’re not alone, and with time, you will find hope and healing again.
It’s also important to know that miscarriage can be a taboo subject, which means people don’t talk about it very much. This can make it hard for women to find support and comfort when they need it most. We need to break down the stigma and make it easier for women to talk about their experiences with others. By being more understanding and compassionate, we can help women feel less alone and more supported during this difficult time.
Join Go Gyno today
This is where Go Gyno and the Red Tent Community come into play. We promote open dialogue about women’s health conditions to ensure that women have access to the resources they need to manage their symptoms and maintain their health. By breaking down the cultural stigmas and taboos surrounding these natural processes, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women of all ages. Women’s health and well-being should be a priority, and promoting open dialogue is a crucial step in achieving this goal in a supportive environment.. Women can ask questions, share their stories, and connect with others who are going through similar experiences. By creating a sense of community and providing women with the information and resources they need, Go Gyno and the Red Tent community are helping to empower women to manage their issues and maintain their health and well-being.
