Signs and Symptoms of a Miscarriage

While pregnancy is a joyous time for every to-be mother, it is unfortunate that some of them have to experience a miscarriage before they can realize their dream. Many a time it has been found that to-be mothers have a miscarriage before they become aware of their pregnancy. However, if you do know that you are pregnant, it is essential to understand the various symptoms of a miscarriage. Usually, a miscarriage occurs within the first trimester (first three months of pregnancy). It is a rare chance that a miscarriage may occur later during the pregnancy period. However, there have been cases of second trimester miscarriages too. Knowing the symptoms that are associated with a miscarriage is important so that you realize what exactly is happening with your body, and can consult your doctor immediately.

What Causes a Miscarriage?

There are a lot of factors that can cause a miscarriage. There may be chromosomal problems in the fetus, the development of a bacterial or viral infection, a problem with the anatomy of the uterus, or mental and physical stress that has led to a miscarriage. The chances of a miscarriage may increase if the to-be mother is 35 years of age and above. Sometimes, certain unhealthy habits lead to a miscarriage. This may include an overdose of caffeine in the system, eating wrong, smoking, etc. Though such causes are rare they cannot be overlooked.

Signs You Should Look Out For

If you are having a miscarriage, you may notice the following symptoms:

• Severe Abdominal Cramping: Women who are experiencing an early miscarriage may have severe contractions in their stomach, the pain of which is similar to the pain experienced during labor. This mostly happens when the fetus has been implanted not within, but outside the uterus. Such a symptom should be immediately reported to the doctor as it can prove fatal.
• Back Pain: Mild to severe back pain is another symptom of miscarriages in the first trimester.
• Bleeding: Bleeding that is similar to menstrual bleeding may be experienced by women having a miscarriage. It may start with spotting but may finally end up as heavy bleeding. In some cases, blood clots are noticed, which means the placenta is being released from the body. It has been said that bleeding during pregnancy is normal in many cases, and does not speak of any signs. However, it may also be one of the many signs of an early miscarriage signs.
• Absence of Pregnancy Symptoms: Soon you may not experience morning sickness, the associated nausea, or the soreness in parts of your body that you normally feel. A change in the symptoms is again known to be common during a pregnancy, but should be reported to your doctor in any case.

As mentioned earlier, in most cases the aforementioned signs and symptoms are common during pregnancy. However, they should be reported to your doctor when you experience them, lest you are having a miscarriage. Having a miscarriage is a sensitive issue, and experts say that in some cases it cannot be helped. However, there are certain ways of preventing a miscarriage and avoiding the grief associated with losing the hope of having your own child. Conceiving after miscarriage is possible and you may speak to your doctor about methods of doing so effectively, and taking utmost care to avoid having to face such a situation again.

Coping with miscarriage is indeed difficult, as pregnancy brings out all those motherly instincts you were never aware of. However, all is not lost. If you are aware of what happens during a miscarriage, you will be able to take action at the earliest and perhaps, prevent it. Also, women do get pregnant after a miscarriage. Don't lose hope; you will too experience the happiness of being a mother soon!

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.