October is Pregnancy Loss Awareness Month. Women facing the grief of pregnancy loss may feel isolated, but as many as 10 to 20 percent of pregnancies will end before 20 weeks. The Mayo Clinic cites that this number is likely even higher, because many women have not yet even realized they were pregnant.
If a friend has had a miscarriage, here’s how to help: 5 Ways to Care for a Friend Experiencing Pregnancy Loss
A miscarriage can come with grief, anxiety, and heavy emotions. If you’ve walked through the pain of pregnancy loss, you’re not alone. Our team is here to help with resources and support.
How can I tell if I am having a miscarriage?
A miscarriage may cause 1 or more of these symptoms. (Note: some miscarriages have no symptoms.)
- Bleeding greater than your typical menstrual period
- Cramping pain in your pelvis, lower back, or lower abdomen
- A gush of warm liquid from your vagina
- The passage of blood clots and/or of a small (sometimes recognizable) baby from your vagina
- No heartbeat on a sonogram after six or more weeks of gestation
If you are experiencing these symptoms, please call your healthcare provider. If you do not have a provider, don’t hesitate to visit the emergency room.
What is a spontaneous abortion?
A “spontaneous abortion” is a medical term for a miscarriage: the natural, unintended loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks gestation. It is not the same as a surgical or medication abortion (also known as the abortion pill or period pill.)
What can cause pregnancy loss?
A baby with abnormalities that prevent it from surviving, certain infections or immune system abnormalities, or abnormalities of shape or function of the female organs could cause pregnancy loss. It is rare to be able to determine the cause of a miscarriage.
Emotional stress, birth control pills taken accidentally in early pregnancy, typical work environments or activities, reasonable amounts of exercise, or sexual intercourse most likely do not cause a miscarriage.
When do most miscarriages happen?
Most miscarriages occur in the first trimester, the first 13 week of pregnancy.
Can I get pregnant after having a miscarriage?
Yes. The Mayo Clinic notes, “most women who miscarry go on to have a healthy pregnancy after miscarriage.”