According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, miscarriage, also called spontaneous abortion, is the most common type of pregnancy loss, affecting 15 to 20 percent of all pregnancies. Miscarriage is classified as the spontaneous loss of pregnancy prior to 20 weeks of gestation. In some cases, only one sign of miscarriage is experienced, and in other cases, two or more may be experienced together. The signs of early miscarriage can be confusing because some symptoms are similar to those of a healthy pregnancy.
Pain
The pain associated with early miscarriage often occurs in the lower back. A pregnant woman may not recognize this sign as a sign of miscarriage because back pain can be associated with a normal pregnancy as well. Pregnant women may experience pelvic or abdominal pain and cramping that are similar to the pain and discomfort associated with menstruation. Often in miscarriage, pelvic and abdominal pain is located on one side of the pelvis. This occurs when the implanted egg is detaching itself from the uterine wall, causing pain at the location of implantation.
Bleeding
The most common and recognizable sign of miscarriage is bleeding. Although bleeding can signal a problem with the pregnancy, it may occur in normal pregnancy as well. It is important to consult a medical professional in the event of any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. In the event of a miscarriage, vaginal bleeding may present as dark brown, bright red blood, or mucus tinged with blood. Bleeding may be experienced alone or accompanied by the passing of tissue.
Decreasing Pregnancy Symptoms
When a fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus, hormones begin to be released in the body. These hormones are responsible for the symptoms associated with pregnancy such as nausea, headache, fatigue, and increased appetite. When a miscarriage occurs, the body no longer produces these same hormones, decreasing the symptoms of pregnancy. Some women experiencing miscarriage may begin to lose weight.
Other Symptoms
The cause of a miscarriage can potentially affect the symptoms a woman experiences. If the miscarriage is caused by a uterine infection, for example, the woman may experience flu-like symptom as the body attempts to fight the infection. Fever, body aches, chills, and fatigue may all be associated with miscarriage due to infection.
