What is miscarriage?

According to the American Pregnancy Association (APA), studies done by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists indicate that miscarriage occurs in 10-25% of all pregnancies, making it the most common form of pregnancy loss. A miscarriage is an unplanned loss of a baby that usually occurs before the 20th week of pregnancy.

Why does it happen?

Miscarriages are unpredictable, especially since they are often most likely caused by fatal genetic or developmental issues with the baby. While there are some obvious things that a pregnant woman can do to disrupt her pregnancy (like drinking alcohol or taking harmful drugs), most of the time, a miscarriage is not the mother’s fault.

What are the symptoms?

According to WebMD, symptoms of a miscarriage include bleeding that progresses from light to heavy, severe cramps, back or abdominal pain, fever, and weakness. Any of these symptoms may indicate that something is not quite right with the baby or the pregnancy, especially if these symptoms occur before 20 weeks. If any of these symptoms are present, see an obstetrician as soon as possible.

Can a woman have a healthy pregnancy after miscarrying?

Many people believe that once a woman has had a miscarriage, she is more likely to have another. According to the APA, 85% of women who have had a single miscarriage will go on to have a healthy pregnancy (75% for those who have experienced 2 to 3 miscarriages). Just because a woman has experienced a miscarriage does not mean she should lose all hope of ever having a baby. If you have experienced a miscarriage, it is recommended you wait a while to allow your body and emotions time to heal. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine when the time is right for you to conceive again.

If you or a loved one have experienced a miscarriage, there are resources to support you. You don’t have to go through this alone. Check out our blog Are there resources for after miscarriage?

AVA Care is here to Advocate for you, Validate your concerns and provide Answers to your questions. We are here for you – no matter what you decide. Schedule an appointment online or call 540.434.7528 today.

Dr. Teresa Klansek

Medical Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Medical Director Dr. Teresa Klansek.