A miscarriage is defined as a loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks have passed. Epigee.org, a site devoted to women's health, points out that up to 25 percent of women experience one miscarriage during their childbearing years. A miscarriage can be the result of illness, fetal problems or an unidentified cause. Bleeding or passing tissue can be a definite sign of miscarriage. Other symptoms may accompany the ejection of the fetus.
Abdominal Cramping
Mild cramping is not uncommon during pregnancy. However, Epigee.org points out that any severe cramping or cramps that do not pass should be brought to the health care provider's attention immediately. Most women experience cramping as the uterus contracts as the miscarriage begins. Severe cramping does not always signify a miscarriage but is still a medical concern. Pregnancyloss.info describes the cramping associated with miscarriage as so severe the woman may lose her breath or have trouble standing.
Lower Backache
Like abdominal cramps, a lower backache can be quite common during pregnancy. Epigee.org suggests seeking medical care if a lower backache is experienced and the pain is intense. This could be a sign of miscarriage but it is not a definite sign. Normal uterine growth can bring about backaches, too. Paired with any other signs of miscarriage, a lower backache can be the result of a miscarriage.
Loss of Pregnancy Symptoms
During the first 20 weeks of pregnancy there are a great variety of symptoms women experience. According to the Mayo Clinic, these may include breast tenderness, nausea, fatigue and darkening of the area around the nipple. Pregnancyloss.info suggests that some of these early pregnancy signs may cease due to the onset of a miscarriage. It is also suggested that a woman may not realize the lack of symptoms before the miscarriage begins. Once the miscarriage has taken place a woman may look back and connect the changes of her pregnancy symptoms with the pending loss of the fetus.
Miscarriage is not the only reason for a decrease in these pregnancy symptoms. Hormone levels change and women may become more accustomed to their bodily changes during pregnancy. The Mayo Clinic points out that nausea and morning sickness may go away for some women at or around 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Other Symptoms
Mayo Clinic suggests potential signs of miscarriage to resemble a cold or flu. This is most often if a uterine infection occurs. Symptoms associated with this include fever, chills, body aches, or thick vaginal discharge with a foul odor, per Mayo Clinic.
Confirming a Miscarriage
Only a doctor can confirm a miscarriag. This can be done by performing an ultrasound to listen for the fetal heartbeat and take measurements to observe development of the embryo. According to AmericanPregnancy.org, an ultrasound at six weeks along may reveal a flutter of a heartbeat. AmericanPregnancy.org points out that measuring the gestational sac can determine the progress of the fetus and uncover any evidence of miscarriage.
