Miscarriage
If you’re pregnant and worried that you could be experiencing a pregnancy loss, you may feel scared, helpless and overwhelmed.
If you were unsure about continuing your pregnancy, a miscarriage may bring a flurry of mixed emotions at an already difficult time in your life. It’s important to know that miscarriage is very common, especially in early pregnancy. You are not alone. In fact, about 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. But the actual number is likely higher because many miscarriages occur very early in pregnancy — before you might even know you’re pregnant.
We would love to provide you with support and information as you navigate this difficult situation.
Call Clearway Clinic or your local pregnancy center to make a pregnancy confirmation appointment today
If you’re considering an abortion, it’s especially important to confirm your pregnancy via ultrasound. This rules out miscarriage before any abortion decision is made, as an abortion may not be needed if the pregnancy is ending naturally.
What is a miscarriage?
A miscarriage, also called early pregnancy loss, is the term used to describe a pregnancy that ends before 20 weeks. After 20 weeks, a pregnancy loss it called a fetal demise or stillbirth.
-
80% of all miscarriages will occur within the 1st trimester of pregnancy
-
The risk of experiencing a pregnancy loss in the 2nd or 3rd trimester is less than 1%
What causes a miscarriage?
Most miscarriages occur because the fetus isn’t developing as expected. About 50% of miscarriages are associated with extra or missing chromosomes. Most often, chromosome problems result from errors that occur by chance as the embryo divides and grows, not problems inherited from the parents.
Other causes for miscarriage can result from a variety of reasons, such as infection, hormonal imbalances, uterine abnormalities, malnutrition, lifestyle behaviors, medications and more. Miscarriage is usually a one time occurrence, with only about 1% of women having repeated miscarriages.
What are the symptoms of a miscarriage?
-
Bleeding that progresses from light to heavy
-
Cramps
-
Abdominal pain
-
Low back ache, ranging from mild to severe
If you’re pregnant and experiencing any symptoms listed above, contact your healthcare provider right away and they will direct you with what to do next.
I think I’m having a miscarriage, now what?
It’s important to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you’re experiencing miscarriage symptoms. There are several different paths to approaching a pregnancy loss, but the first thing to know is that from a medical perspective, pregnancy loss treatments are straightforward and the risks are minimal. As long as you don’t have an infection or a bleeding issue, you are usually able to work with your doctor to choose an approach that feels right to you. The best approach is the one that you feel comfortable with!
Is there help after a miscarriage?
If you’re struggling emotionally after a pregnancy loss, know you are not alone. There are local and online communities to help you in your healing journey. Additionally, most hospitals or community resource agencies will have pregnancy loss support groups and meet ups. You can contact your local hospital or pregnancy resource center for help in your area. Here are a few options for online support:
Clearway Clinic does not provide miscarriage diagnosis or treatment. The resources on our website are provided for for informational purposes only. You should always consult with your healthcare professional regarding any medical diagnoses or treatment options.
