Miscarriage is a major fear of nearly every woman during pregnancy--for good reason, as they're not terribly uncommon. As many as 10 to 20 percent of pregnancies result in miscarriage, says the Mayo Clinic. A miscarriage, sometimes called a spontaneous abortion, is the name for a miscarriage (the death of a fetus) that occurs within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Bleeding
This is one of the strongest indications of a miscarriage. Although not all bleeding indicates a miscarriage, spotting or heavier bleeding--usually brown or bright red in color--is a warning sign of a miscarriage, says the APA. Passing clumps of tissue, or clots, are another sign of miscarriage. Be on the lookout for signs of any unusual vaginal discharge, and speak with your doctor about it.
Cramping
Many, but not all, women who are experiencing a miscarriage suffer from painful abdominal cramps. Cramping may also occur in the area of the lower back, says the APA. Although some mild cramping can be normal in early pregnancy, cramps that are a sign of miscarriage are typically severe--more so than regular menstrual cramps. Contractions are another warning sign of miscarriage, says the APA, but they must be regular (occurring in five to 20 minute intervals) and very strong.
Loss of Pregnancy Symptoms
Sometimes women don't experience or notice cramping or bleeding, but they find that their pregnancy symptoms slowly subside, says the APA. This can indicate a miscarriage, so it's important to talk to your doctor if you suddenly stop feeling pregnant. This can include the cessation of symptoms like breast tenderness, nausea, fatigue, frequent urination and many more pregnancy symptoms.
