The loss of a pregnancy within the first trimester---a medical condition commonly referred to as a miscarriage or spontaneous abortion---can be emotionally and physically traumatic. According to the American Pregnancy Association (APA), the chances of having a miscarriage are 15 to 20 percent in healthy women.
Vaginal Discharge
Some pregnant women may experience brown or bright red bleeding in the presence or absence of abdominal cramps. Though 20 to 30 percent of pregnant women experience minimal bleeding during the first stages of pregnancy, moderate or recurrent bleeding may be cause for concern, according to the APA. Some pregnant women who are experiencing a miscarriage may notice the discharge of vaginal mucus that is a white or pink color. Tissue or clot-like material that is discharged from the vagina may also be a symptom of a miscarriage. If you are within your first trimester of pregnancy and experience abnormal vaginal discharge, consult your doctor for further evaluation.
Pain or Contractions
If you are pregnant and develop low back or abdominal pain, you may be experiencing a miscarriage. According to the Medline Plus, you may experience dull, achy, sharp or cramping pain. Pain may also be severe and can mimic true contractions, according to the APA. If you experience recurrent, sharp pain every five to 20 minutes, you may be experiencing a miscarriage. Though some mild back or abdominal pain is normal during a healthy pregnancy, prolonged or severe pain may indicate pregnancy complications. If you are within your first trimester of pregnancy and experience excessive pain or the onset of contraction, contact your obstetrician as soon as possible for additional care.
Decrease in Signs of Pregnancy
A miscarriage may lead to a decrease in pregnancy signs in some pregnant women. Pregnant women may notice that they experience weight loss or are not gaining a healthy amount of weight to support a pregnancy. A decrease in other signs of pregnancy, including morning sickness, swollen breasts, headaches or mood swings, may also indicate that a miscarriage may have occurred.
