Health A to Z

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Miscarriage

A miscarriage is a loss of a pregnancy during the first 23 weeks. The term might suggest something is wrong in the pregnancy, but it is rarely true. Often, it happens due to the fetus isn’t developing as expected. 

Symptoms

The typical sign is vaginal bleeding, in which cramps and lower abdomen pain may follow. If you are going through vaginal bleeding, contact your doctor. 

But remember that slight vaginal bleeding is common during the first three months of pregnancy (the first trimester) and doesn’t necessarily mean you are having a miscarriage.

Other possible symptoms are:

  • Pain and cramping in the lower abdomen 
  • Vaginal discharge of fluids
  • Vaginal discharge of tissues
  • No longer experiencing pregnancy symptoms like feeling sick or breast tenderness

Miscarriage causes

There are many potential reasons, although the particular cause is not usually identified. The majority of the causes are not by anything you did. Most are due to abnormal chromosomes in the baby. 

Chromosomes are genetic building blocks that help in the development of a baby. When the baby has insufficient or too many chromosomes, it will not develop properly. 

First trimester 

In the first trimester often happen due to chromosomes or placenta issues (the placenta is an organ that links your blood supply to your baby).

Symptoms
Other possible symptoms are:

  • Pain and cramping in the lower abdomen 
  • Vaginal discharge of fluids
  • Vaginal discharge of tissues
  • No longer experiencing pregnancy symptoms like feeling sick or breast tenderness

Miscarriage causes

There are many potential reasons, although the particular cause is not usually identified. The majority of the causes are not by anything you did. Most are due to abnormal chromosomes in the baby. 

Chromosomes are genetic building blocks that help in the development of a baby. When the baby has insufficient or too many chromosomes, it will not develop properly. 

First trimester 

In the first trimester often happen due to chromosomes or placenta issues (the placenta is an organ that links your blood supply to your baby).

The following can influence an early miscarriage:

  • In women under 30 (one in ten pregnancies)
  • In women between 35 and 39 (two in ten pregnancies end)
  • In women over 45 (more than five in ten pregnancies end)
  • Obesity
  • If you smoke
  • Drug usage
  • Caffeine
  • Drink alcohol

Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022