Have you had a miscarriage without knowing it?
According to a report by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an estimated 23 million miscarriages occur globally every year. A miscarriage is defined as the loss of a pregnancy before the embryo or fetus has developed enough to survive.
Most occur within the first three months of pregnancy before a woman has reached 12 weeks of gestation. Their early occurrence means that some women can experience a miscarriage even before showing symptoms of expecting.
Have you had a miscarriage without knowing it? These are some of the early signs that you could be miscarrying and what to do next.
What are the signs of a miscarriage?
Sometimes, there aren't any signs of a miscarriage. If you know you're pregnant, you might not know you've miscarried until you go in for a routine ultrasound. However, most women will experience some signs that they're no longer pregnant.
The most common miscarriage symptoms include:
- Cramping
- Spotting
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Back pain
- Muscle weakness
It's important to note that spotting doesn't always mean you're miscarrying. Many women spot during pregnancy, especially in the beginning stages, and go on to deliver a healthy baby. However, you should still contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, so they can make sure everything's OK.
What happens during a miscarriage?
No two women go through a miscarriage in exactly the same way. Your experience will be unique to you, though there's a general progression that most women will go through.
Cramping is one of the first signs of a miscarriage. While not all miscarriages are physically painful, most women will experience some degree of abdominal pain while it's occurring. You might feel severe cramps or more mild ones, similar to menstrual discomfort.
Then, you may begin to bleed vaginally. This can range from light spotting to passing heavy blood clots. It can be disheartening and even a little frightening to experience, but heavy bleeding during miscarriage is usually normal.
Some women may only cramp or bleed for a few hours. For others, the process can take a few days. If you believe you're having a miscarriage, your doctor may be able to prescribe medication to make your symptoms less painful.
At the same time, your doctor can also offer emotional support as you go through this process. It can still be very upsetting to discover that your pregnancy has ended. When you reach out to your doctor about your feelings and concerns, they can provide resources to help you navigate the emotions you're experiencing.
What happens after a miscarriage?
To confirm that you've miscarried, your doctor will first perform a pelvic exam and ultrasound to examine your uterus. If it doesn't contain any fetal tissue or you're very early into your pregnancy, you may not need any additional treatment.
If your uterus still contains a fetus or tissues from the pregnancy, they may give you medicine to help you pass it. There are also procedures they can perform to dilate your cervix and assist with the removal.
During this sensitive time, you may feel a wide range of emotions, from despair and disappointment to guilt and even relief. Sometimes, you'll feel all of this at the same time. This is a very normal response, which normally eases up over time.
Allow yourself time to process and grieve what just occurred. There's no timeline you need to follow or rulebook that says when you should feel better. Surround yourself with loved ones who can support and uplift you during this difficult time, allowing you to share what's in your heart.
If you have a partner, they may be experiencing these emotions, too. Talk to them about how you feel, and lean on one another for strength. You may also find it beneficial to speak to a therapist or counselor, as well as a support group.
What causes miscarriage?
When pregnancy loss occurs, the most common reason is that there was a problem with the baby's chromosomes that made normal fetal development impossible. There's nothing you did or could have done differently to prevent it from occurring.
In some cases, there are also other factors to consider, such as:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Irregular hormone levels (especially thyroid)
- Cervix incompetency (cervix begins to dilate and efface too early in the pregnancy)
- Abnormalities of the uterus
- Infections
When the mother experiences any of the above, it could make her more susceptible to miscarriage. The same is also true of women who are routinely exposed to environmental or workplace hazards (such as radiation), take certain prescription medications, or drink, smoke, or use drugs during pregnancy.
Preventing a miscarriage
In most cases, there's nothing that anyone can do to prevent a miscarriage. However, focusing on good prenatal health can help your baby stay as healthy as possible throughout your pregnancy. Some of the steps to follow include:
- Eating a healthy diet rich in calcium and folic acid
- Exercising regularly (with your doctor's permission)
- Getting enough rest
- Taking prenatal vitamins
- Avoiding drugs and alcohol
- Not smoking or vaping
- Avoiding foods that could carry listeriosis (e.g. deli meats and unpasteurized soft cheeses)
- Talking to your doctor about any prescription medications you're taking
- Staying up-to-date on your recommended vaccines
- Attending your prenatal care visits
- Calling your doctor right away if you notice any signs of miscarriage
Have you had a miscarriage without knowing it?
If you've experienced any of the symptoms above, you might wonder, "Have you had a miscarriage without knowing it?" Only your doctor can confirm this for certain, so it's important to stay in close contact with them throughout your pregnancy.
Even if you didn't know you were pregnant, it's still smart to reach out if you notice heavy bleeding, abnormal cramping, or abdominal pain. Other health concerns can cause these symptoms besides miscarriage, and your doctor will know what to check for.
