Key Facts To Understand And Cope With A Miscarriage

Miscarriage, although relatively common, is not a topic North American adults openly discuss. As a result, many couples who are starting a family or expecting a child do not understand it or know what to expect if it happens to them. This lack of knowledge can make the challenge of losing a child even more painful. Reducing the stigma associated with miscarriage by increasing awareness of it can make it easier for couples who have experienced a miscarriage. Here are twelve facts about miscarriage everyone should know to make coping with a miscarriage (or supporting someone who has) easier.

What Is A Miscarriage?

Miscarriage is the term used for a pregnancy loss within the first twenty weeks of gestation. The majority of miscarriages occur during the first thirteen weeks of pregnancy. A miscarriage can be an emotionally devastating experience and even come as a surprise if the couple did not know about the pregnancy. Miscarriages are the most common type of pregnancy loss; approximately ten to twenty-five percent of all recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage. Chemical pregnancies account for fifty to seventy-five percent of miscarriages. These occur when a pregnancy is lost shortly after implantation, resulting in bleeding around the time a woman would normally have her period. Thus, many women who experience chemical pregnancies may not even realize they conceived to begin with.

Signs Of Miscarriage

There are many physical signs of a miscarriage. For example, if the woman has moderate to heavy bleeding from the vagina, she may be having a miscarriage. Keep in mind, however, that twenty to thirty percent of women with healthy pregnancies experience some spotting and bleeding early on. There may also be pain in the lower abdomen that feels similar to menstrual cramps. If the cramps are severe, the body may be contracting and miscarrying an early pregnancy. Lower back pain is also a sign to watch for as is the absence of typical pregnancy symptoms, such as tender breasts and nausea, especially if they were present before. Couples should seek the advice of a medical practitioner if they believe they are experiencing a miscarriage.