A miscarriage, also known as a spontaneous abortion, is the unexpected loss of a fetus before the 20th week of pregnancy. After the end of the 20th week of pregnancy, the term stillbirth is used. Knowing the impending signs of a miscarriage may help a woman save the pregnancy, if possible, or may expedite any treatment that is needed.
Vaginal Bleeding
Vaginal bleeding is the most common sign of an impending miscarriage. The bleeding can be light, moderate or heavy and may be constant or irregular. Bleeding is not uncommon during the first trimester of pregnancy, but when a pregnant woman is bleeding, miscarriage is more likely. A pregnant woman who is bleeding should seek the advice of her doctor as soon as possible.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is often felt by women who are experiencing an impending miscarriage. The pain may be described as menstrual cramps, cramps in the pelvic region or a persistent ache in the abdominal cavity. This same ache may be experienced in the lower back, as well. This pain may start before the bleeding begins or a few hours or days after the bleeding begins.
Passing of Clots or Tissue
While many women bleed or spot during the first trimester, most women do not experience the passing of any clots or tissue from the vagina. A woman who is passing blood clots or a grayish tissue is likely experiencing a miscarriage and should seek medical assistance.
Dilated Cervix
Upon examination a doctor may note a cervix that is dilated to allow for the fetal issue and blood to pass through the vagina. Very early in the pregnancy this may not be seen, but the closer a pregnancy is to the 20 week mark the more common this symptom of an impending miscarriage is visible. A doctor will need to determine whether the cervix is dilated or not, and this can be done during a routine exam.
Risk Factors
While no one knows for certain why some pregnancies end in miscarriages and some do not, there are some risk factors to be aware of when trying to conceive or during pregnancy that may help avoid miscarriage. Risk factors include advanced maternal age, bacterial or viral infections during pregnancy, physical injury, exposure to toxic chemicals, advanced paternal age, blood clotting disorders, amniocentesis and polycystic ovarian syndrome. These are just some of the more common risk factors, but they do not explain all impending miscarriages.
