Miscarriage is the loss of a non-viable embryo or foetus in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. The main symptom of an (imminent) miscarriage is a large amount of vaginal blood loss, often accompanied by abdominal pain. Many women experience blood loss in the early stages of pregnancy. Fortunately, this doesn’t always end in miscarriage.
About 10% of pregnancies result in a miscarriage.
Blood loss due to a miscarriage is usually heavy during the first week, with two saturated sanitary towels daily. The blood loss is usually combined with dark red, smoothly shaped blood clots. This also often brings abdominal pain which is usually at its heaviest on the third day of the blood loss. The pain can radiate to the back or upper legs and can feel like contractions. After 8 days both symptoms generally diminish.
Usually a miscarriage is caused by a defect at conception. This causes a severe chromosomal aberration in the embryo, rendering it non-viable. Chromosomes are crucial during the development from embryo to baby. Serious chromosomal abnormalities prevent proper development. The embryo will not be formed correctly, which the body “fixes” by stopping its growth and shedding it. This is usually not caused by hereditary defects so there are no consequences for a subsequent pregnancy.
There are several ways to remove the embryo from the uterus. Most common methods:
Miscarriages usually happen spontaneously, without complications and without the need for medical intervention. 40% of curettages can be prevented by waiting for the body to shed the embryo (which is safe) on its own during the first week.
Miscarrying is a sad experience. Although the pregnancy is still in the early stages, plans for the future have often been made. Hearing that you are suffering a miscarriage can have a major impact.
Talk about it with those who are close to you and contact your midwife if you have any questions or problems, or would just like to get something off your chest.