For many women the fear of having a miscarriage is overshadowing the excitement of being pregnant.

There are many different types of miscarriage, however this overarching term is categorized as the loss of a pregnant woman before the 20th week of her pregnancies.

It's still a pregnant woman's loss, even if it's five weeks or 20 weeks, and if it's been meticulously planned and eagerly awaiting, it can be all the worse. At the end of the day, it is sad for everyone.

Around 1 million pregnancies end in miscarriage in the US each year, but most happen during the first 12 weeks of the baby's life. That doesn't mean it's any less upsetting. Talking about the loss of a loved one can make people uncomfortable.

Miscarriages are sad regardless of how common they are. It can be traumatizing to be around people who are pregnant as well as adjusting to having abump that no baby is in it.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, most women who miscarry will go on to have a healthy baby later in life. We talk to the experts in the article to find out more about the causes and signs of miscarriage.

Types of miscarriage

The following are the most common.

There is a chemical pregnant woman.

Within two to seven days after a baby is born, there is a chemical pregnancy. Fetal tests can still come up positive if the human chorionic gonadotropin is present in the body, since chemical pregnancies occur so early on. Many people don't know that they're pregnant at this stage, and it's most often noticed by those trying to conceive. Typically, chemical pregnancies occur because there is a problem with the embryo's DNA that stops it from developing, but it's likely that the next embryo will develop without issue, if wider fertility problems are not at play.

Dr Evangelia Elenis

The early loss of a baby.

The most common type of miscarriage is early, occurring in 10% to 20% of all pregnancies. Many people wait until after the first trimester to let their friends and family know they are pregnant. An abnormal number of chromosomes can be the cause of early miscarriage. If you attempt to have a baby with an egg or sperm that doesn't have a normal number of chromosomes, you will end up with a baby that isn't even conceived.

There was a late stillbirth.

About 1-2% of pregnancies are affected by late miscarriages, which occur from weeks 12 to 24. Fetal problems such as the shape of the womb, high blood pressure, and infections of the vagina are some of the factors that can cause a miscarriage.

Miscarriage again.

There is a very small number of women who get the diagnosis of recurrent miscarriages. The risk for maternal health conditions increases when you have several miscarriages in a row. It is important to get to the root of the problem with a medical expert in order to find a solution.

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There are other types of stillbirth, when a baby is born dead after 24 completed weeks of pregnancy, and a complete stillbirth, when all the pregnancy tissues come away without needing medical assistance. There is a need for medical assistance when there is an incomplete miscarriage.

Who is at risk of miscarriage?

Being overweight, having chronic health conditions, previous history of miscarriage, and using alcohol and recreational drugs are some of the factors that make a woman more at risk of having a baby.

There are other risk factors.

  • Older mothers – With age, the average share of eggs with a normal number of chromosomes inevitably decreases, which not only makes it more difficult to become pregnant, but also increases the risk of miscarriage. 
  • Smokers – Eggs and sperm are cells, and their quality is harmed by everything that causes what’s known as ‘oxidative stress’ — an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. As such, smoking causes more abnormal eggs and sperm, which can put smokers at a higher risk of miscarriage. 

There are a number of health conditions that put mothers at a higher risk of getting pregnant.

  • Thyroid issues – Untreated thyroid conditions can cause problems for mothers and their baby during pregnancy and after birth, and have also been associated with miscarriage risks. 
  • Chromosomal issues – These can be caused by inherited chromosomal or genetic issues, or by balanced translocation, which occurs when a parent has a rearrangement of his or her chromosomes without experiencing any health issues. 
  • Overactive immune system – Research is still delving into this area of fertility. It’s a hot topic amongst fertility specialists, and opinions vary country by country, but immunosuppressants are frequently given when recurrent miscarriages occur. 
  • Anatomy – Structural abnormalities of the female reproductive organs are a recognized factor in recurrent miscarriage. These can include structural problems of the uterus, fibroids, adhesions and other acquired abnormalities, as well as a weakened cervix. 

Blood clot and infections can put mothers at a higher risk of having a baby.

What are the warning signs?

Vaginal bleeding is one of the most common symptoms of a miscarriage. Light spotting, brownish discharge, heavy bleeding, and bright-red blood are some of the things that can come and go. It shouldn't go past a week.

Light vaginal bleeding is relatively common in the early stages of pregnancy, but don't hesitate to contact your doctor if you feel concerned, she says. You know your body, so always consult your doctor when you feel it is necessary.

Pain in the lower stomach, vaginal discharge, and no longer experiencing the symptoms of a pregnant woman are some of the common symptoms of early-miscarriage.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible to make sure you are looking after both your physical and mental wellbeing. If you have had at least two or three recurrent miscarriages, you should go to an early pregnancy unit for assessment.

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Miscarriage vs period

When we are pregnant, women don't have periods and are not likely to have a heavy period, so if there is any bleeding in the baby, it's a concern and should be referred to the doctor.

Bleeding associated with a miscarriage tends to get heavier and last longer than a typical period, and you may experience pain as your cervix dilates, which will likely be more painful or acute than typical period. It's a good idea to talk to your doctor about conducting tests to confirm your experience, so that you can find the best route forward.

How are miscarriages treated?

There isn't anything left to remove in many instances of early miscarriage, so medical intervention isn't needed. If tissues have built up and aren't leaving the womb, you will have a couple of different options.

If it takes longer than three to four weeks for the baby to be born, then you need to see your doctor as there is a risk of infections and other problems.

The first course of action is called expectation management. It involves waiting for the tissue to leave your uterus. This route involves waiting seven to 14 days after a baby is born for the tissue to be passed. This route can take a long time and involve risk of infections.

She says that the anxiety and stress around waiting can do more harm than good. It is important to make a decision with your healthcare provider based on your medical history, comfort levels, and personal preferences. Don't hesitate to be vocal and advocate for yourself until you find a solution that works for you.

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Miscarriage can be treated with medical management by taking medication that spurs the uterus to let go of the fetus. If the tissues don't pass on their own, the pessary-based medication will kick in within a few hours.

It works by opening the cervix, which allows the tissues to pass out of the womb, and will involve symptoms similar to a heavy period, with cramping and heavy vaginal bleeding being common, although bleeding can last up to 3 weeks.

Manual removal of the tissue from the uterus is one of the options. If continuous bleeding, infections, or expectant management has failed, this option will move forward immediately.

General or local anesthesia will be used to perform the surgery. Both treatments will be overseen by a doctor; some may involve a hospital stay, some may not, depending on your situation and location.

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Is it safe to use which treatment? The efficacy and safety of each procedure is determined by the situation. Both medical and surgical management come with very little risk, while maintaining a high success rate.

It's normal to be scared about your choices. No one knows how long these things will take. Given the circumstances, the doctors can't advise you on the safest options. There are no hard and fast rules at the moment.

Mental health care should be included in your treatment plan, as well as dads-to-be, because most treatment options only focus on physical health.

"Miscarriage can take its toll on the emotional and mental wellbeing of all involved, so don't hesitate to seek out a therapist, confide in your support network, or seek out those who may have experienced similar situations to ensure you're accessing comprehensive support" Miscarriage isn't something you need to move past until you're ready.

The good news is that most couples who have had one or two miscarriages will go on to have a successful baby.

What is a stillbirth?

There is stillbirth when a baby is born dead. The fetus can't be evacuated by medication, and requires medical intervention, such as a D&E, inducing labor, or a C-section to remove the baby and pregnancy tissues from the womb.

According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, there was no cause for half of the stillbirths.

There are many possible health and lifestyle reasons for a stillbirth, just like there are many possible health and lifestyle reasons for amiscarriage.

A lack of oxygen to the fetus during delivery is a risk factor for stillbirth.

Can you prevent a miscarriage?

There is no way to stop a baby from getting pregnant. Many women experience feelings of guilt, shame and failure when they miscarry, but it isn't their fault.

  • Read more: 6 myths about miscarriage 

The father-to-be's grief and sadness is often dismissed by other people after a loss. A lack of support from those who disapproved of them becoming parents in the first place is one of the stressors that lesbian couples face when they lose their pregnancies.

If you are looking to have a baby or have had a miscarriage, you should avoid alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs. Current recommendations still focus on limiting coffee consumption while pregnant but the exact guidelines vary between countries.

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Some foods can be harmful to your health, for example, cheese and meat can contain listeria, which can cause a baby to miscarry. If you're trying to get pregnant, it's always a good idea to look over any medication you're taking and see if you need to look for alternatives with your doctor.

A study by the School of Public Health found that the risk of miscarriage might increase during the summer, but more research is needed to understand the role of extreme heat and other environmental factors.

If you want to discuss how to plan a healthy pregnancy, or if you have a family history of miscarriage, I would recommend you make an appointment with your doctor.

How long should you wait to try again after miscarriage?

The World Health Organization advises six months to wait before trying again after a baby is born.

A scientific review by Dr. Sohinee Bhattacharya found that women who try to get pregnant again within six months are less likely to suffer a second miscarriage.

Falling pregnant within six months was examined in the meta-analysis.

Those who conceived within six months of a loss were less likely to miscarry than those who waited.

Speak to a medical professional if you want to try again.

It's important to consult your doctor because every person's situation is different and this will help you pursue the option that's best for your situation Some doctors recommend waiting until you have had your first period to try again, but in general you can try again once your bleeding stops.

Losing a baby is never easy, no matter how far into the pregnancy you were, so don't feel pressured to return before you're ready.

The article is not meant to give medical advice.

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