What usually happens during a miscarriage?

Every woman will have a slightly different experience with a miscarriage, just like we all have different symptoms with our menstrual cycles. Some women feel almost nothing and some have some cramping. This also will vary with a miscarriage depending on how far along the pregnancy is.

Usually nature's way is to stop (or abort) a pregnancy in the first three months when it is clear, through signs and symptoms of the body, that there is a development problem with the fetus that is not going to get better. Most miscarriages will occur in the first eight weeks. When it happens this early, some women don't even realize it is happening, it may just seem like a heavy menstrual period. Later into the pregnancy, is when the symptoms can become more severe.

Prenatal care is essential in all pregnancies, but starting with early examinations is critical in pregnancies of younger women, older women, or women with medical conditions or prior problems taking a pregnancy to term. The medical professional will know what to expect and can guide you better when there have been regular examinations prior to any problem symptoms.

Typically the first sign is bleeding. A little bleeding very early in a pregnancy can be normal, so there is no need to panic, but contact your doctor and describe exactly what has been happening and they will let you know if you need to come for an exam right then or not.

If the bleeding is associated with painful cramping, pain in the abdomen or low back, you should not hesitate to get urgent care especially later into the pregnancy. Bleeding and pain together usually are indications of a miscarriage. Cramps can be very severe, almost like contractions with a delivery and they will similarly become regular. Time them to report to the medical professional you see at the hospital or urgent care center. Often the cramps are four or five minutes apart. Bleeding and mild cramping may occur over several days. During that time you should avoid strenuous activities and sex to allow your pelvic area and uterus to relax until you can contact your doctor.

If the bleeding is continuous and heavy and/or pain is severe or clots and tissue are passed, you should get immediate care. As the miscarriage progresses, bleeding will continue and there may be passing of clots and other tissue (usually greyish-colored products of conception) from the vagina. If you can collect samples of this to take with you to emergency care, put it in a clean container so it can be examined to verify the miscarriage. If you begin to feel dizzy or confused, fearful, or have rapid breathing and heart rate (like signs of shock), sweating, nausea or vomiting, or weakness ...Call 911 (or the emergency number where you live). It could be that you have been having significant blood loss and need emergency care. Don't try to drive yourself to the hospital, get an ambulance.

There will usually be some slight bleeding for up to two weeks afterward. A small portion of women will have excessive bleeding or infection after a miscarriage which will need a return to the doctor or hospital for professional attention and if the bleeding is severe, there is a fever over 100F, or drainage that has an odor from the vagina and/or signs of shock, seek emergency treatment again.