Miscarriage can mirror many typical pregnancy symptoms, making it difficult to detect. However, recognizing when you are most at danger can assist.
Going through a miscarriage is incredibly tough, and it can feel like the world has turned upside down. Unfortunately, it’s a reality for many moms-to-be, with about 10% to 20% of pregnancies ending in miscarriage, as Planned Parenthood explains.
There are a few types of miscarriages to know about. A complete one means all the pregnancy tissue passes naturally, while an incomplete miscarriage might need treatment to remove leftover tissue. Sometimes, in a missed miscarriage, the embryo isn’t there or has stopped growing, even though there are no signs. And there’s something called a chemical pregnancy, which happens really early, within the first five weeks.
When a miscarriage happens, you might notice bleeding, cramping, or feeling like you’re not pregnant anymore, as March of Dimes describes. Dr. Rebecca Cohen, who’s an obstetrician-gynecologist, mentions that it can take a couple of weeks or even more for everything to pass from your body. Sometimes, medication or a procedure called D&C can help speed things up.
When most miscarriages occur
Recognizing these signs isn’t always easy because they can seem like normal pregnancy symptoms. Miscarriages are more likely to happen during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, so it’s a good idea to keep in touch with your doctor and pay attention to any changes.
Most miscarriages happen early on, within the first 12 weeks, according to NHS Inform. But they can happen later, although it’s not as common. Each miscarriage is different, with some linked to health issues like diabetes or problems with chromosomes or hormones, as mentioned by Mayo Clinic and March of Dimes.
Your age can also play a role, with the risk increasing as you get older. And things like exposure to chemicals or unhealthy habits like drinking, smoking, or using drugs can increase the risk too.
But it’s important to know that it’s not your fault if you have a miscarriage. No matter what, blaming yourself won’t help.
Can you decrease the risk of a miscarriage?
When it comes to preventing miscarriages, there’s no magic formula, as Parents explains. But living a healthy lifestyle can help. Avoiding drugs and alcohol, cutting down on caffeine, and managing any chronic health conditions before pregnancy are good steps.
There’s also some talk about low-dose aspirin possibly lowering the risk, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, so talking with your doctor is key. Eating well, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight can also help reduce the risk, according to Insider.
If you’ve been through a miscarriage, it’s okay to feel all kinds of emotions. NCT points out that it’s important not to judge yourself for how you’re feeling and to reach out for support when you need it. Whether it’s sadness, guilt, or anger, talking to someone can really help. Grief counseling and support groups are there for moms who need them.
For more insightful articles on pregnancy, check out our collection here.
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