A miscarriage occurs when a fetus spontaneously aborts, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Miscarriage is the term for a pregnancy loss at or before 20 weeks (after that, according to the National Institutes of Health, pregnancy loss is referred to as a preterm delivery). A miscarriage may be caused by chromosomal problems, an infection, hormone levels or serious illness.
Abdominal or Back Pain
Sharp pains in either the back or the abdomen can be a sign of a miscarriage early in pregnancy. This pain may or may not be accompanied by severe cramping. Though light cramping is common early in pregnancy (as the embryo attaches to the wall of the uterus), the two types often feel different. Cramping associated with miscarriage is often more severe, and may feel like sharp pains or a dull ache.
Bleeding
Though light spotting and bleeding are not uncommon early in pregnancy, bleeding after implantation can also be an early sign of a miscarriage. Bleeding associated with a miscarriage may be anywhere from light to heavy, depending on how far along in the pregnancy, as well as the cause of the pregnancy failure. Bleeding that occurs for longer than expected after a miscarriage can be a sign of an incomplete miscarriage, according to the American Pregnancy Association. An incomplete miscarriage may require a procedure to remove any tissue remaining in the uterus.
Unusual Vaginal Discharge
A pinkish vaginal discharge can be a sign of an impending miscarriage, according to the American Pregnancy Association. The Mayo Clinic adds that this vaginal discharge may be thicker than usual, and may have a strong odor. Unusual vaginal discharge can indicate an infection in the uterus, which is a common cause of miscarriage.
Passing Clots or Tissue
One of the most common signs of a miscarriage is passing clot-like formations, or uterine tissue, through the vagina. Passing tissue is a good indicator of an impending miscarriage, as this rarely occurs early on in pregnancy. In most cases, the tissue will pass within a short amount of time, and bleeding will cease. If bleeding and cramping continue, it may be a sign of an incomplete miscarriage.
Absence of Pregnancy Symptoms
If early pregnancy symptoms suddenly decrease in intensity or stop altogether, it may be a sign of miscarriage. For some women, this change in symptoms occurs as a natural part of pregnancy as they enter the second trimester. For others, however, it can indicate that the pregnancy has failed. A sudden, unexpected decrease in nausea, fatigue or breast tenderness should be investigated by the woman's doctor.
Flu-like Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, certain flu-like symptoms may also be an indicator of a miscarriage. Women may develop symptoms such as a fever, chills or aches all over their body, which are not common during pregnancy and require medical attention. Flu-like symptoms may indicate an infection as the possible cause of miscarriage.
