The term "miscarriage" can refer to any type of pregnancy loss. Although many miscarriages occur naturally in the early stages of pregnancy, other types of losses occur later in pregnancy, or are medically or surgically induced due to problems with the pregnancy. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of miscarriage and other problems during all stages of pregnancy, and to seek medical attention if you notice any of these symptoms.
Early Miscarriage
Most miscarriages occur in the first trimester of pregnancy, which is the first 12 weeks after a woman's last menstrual period. The primary symptoms of miscarriage at this stage include vaginal bleeding, cramping, and the loss of vaginal fluid or tissue. However, many women have bleeding or spotting in early pregnancy and do not suffer a miscarriage. Other possible symptoms of miscarriage include painful contractions, passing pink mucus, weight loss, and a cessation of pregnancy symptoms. Pregnant women who experience any of these symptoms should contact a health care professional as soon as possible for an evaluation.
Occasionally, a woman having a miscarriage will develop a uterine infection. This is called a septic miscarriage, and requires prompt medical care. Symptoms of a septic miscarriage include fever, body aches, and a thick, foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
Stillbirth
A miscarriage that occurs after the 20th week of gestation is called a stillbirth. An early stillbirth takes place between 20 and 27 weeks of pregnancy. The death of a fetus between the 28th and 36th week is called a late stillbirth. A term stillbirth occurs between 37 and 40 weeks, and a postterm stillbirth is a fetal death after the 41st week of pregnancy. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about half of these cases have unknown causes. The other half are caused by conditions affecting the fetus, the umbilical cord or placenta, or the health of the mother, such as diabetes or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Not all stillbirths are preceded by symptoms. Some symptoms that may indicate that a stillbirth has occurred or is about to occur include not feeling fetal movement, feeling significantly less fetal movement than what you are used to after the 25th week, and vaginal bleeding in the second half of pregnancy. Preganant women who have any of these symptoms should seek immediate medical care.
Induced Miscarriages
Some conditions in early pregnancy necessitate an induced miscarriage. An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that begins outside of the uterus. Most of the time, this pregnancy develops in the fallopian tube, which is why an ectopic pregnancy is often called a tubal pregnancy. Unfortunately, an ectopic pregnancy endangers the life of the mother, and a miscarriage is induced. Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include vaginal bleeding or spotting, and pain in one side of the lower abdomen. If the pregnancy progresses, the tube may rupture, causing shoulder pain, severe pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, and fainting.
In a molar pregnancy, the placenta forms a group of grape-like cysts, and the embryo cannot survive. A molar pregnancy can, in rare cases, cause a type of cancer in the mother, called choriocarcinoma, and must be removed. Symptoms of a molar pregnancy usually occur around the 10th week. They include vaginal spotting, nausea, vomiting, an enlarged uterus, ovarian cysts, and hypertension.
