MISCARRIAGE
Miscarriage, also known as spontaneous abortion, refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. It's a heartbreaking experience that can occur for various reasons, unrelated to anything the birthing parent did or did not do.
If you are concerned you may be having a miscarriage, please contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Signs and Symptoms of Miscarriage
Vaginal Bleeding: Light to heavy bleeding can be a sign of a miscarriage. It's essential to note that some bleeding may occur during a healthy pregnancy, so not all instances of bleeding indicate a miscarriage.
Abdominal Cramps: Cramping, similar to menstrual cramps, may be experienced during a miscarriage.
Passing Tissue: Passing clots or tissue from the vagina may occur during a miscarriage. It can range in amount but generally, if/when passing tissue, pads will be necessary.
Decreased Pregnancy Symptoms: A sudden decrease or disappearance of pregnancy symptoms, such as breast tenderness and morning sickness, may be a sign.
Miscarriage Rates in the First Trimester
Early Pregnancy Loss: The majority of miscarriages occur in the first trimester, often within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Early pregnancy loss rates are estimated to be around 10-20%.
Week-by-Week Breakdown: Per the data, as reported by Emily Oster, the miscarriage rates generally decrease weekly in the first trimester to under 2% in week 11.
Coping with the Uncertainty
It can be stressful to worry about miscarriage uncertainty throughout pregnancy, here are some ways to help alleviate stress:
Prenatal Care: Seeking first trimester prenatal care is crucial for monitoring the health of the pregnancy and addressing any potential concerns.
Open Communication: Maintain open communication with your healthcare provider about any symptoms or concerns. They can provide guidance, reassurance, and necessary medical interventions.
Emotional Support: Miscarriage can be emotionally devastating. Seek support from loved ones, friends, or support groups to navigate the emotional aspects of this experience if you want. Some prefer to deal with their loss alone, while others find comfort in talking with others about their experience.
Pregnancy loss is deeply personal, there’s no “right” way to handle it. Many birthing parents know, rationally, that there was nothing they did to cause it, but still cannot help but self blame and question their behaviors. There is nothing a birthing parent could have done but it still doesn’t lessen the emotional impact of a miscarriage.
If you are experiencing or have experienced a miscarriage, we are so sorry for your loss.
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