Miscarriage (Spontaneous Abortion)
A miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. It is a common event often caused by issues with fetal development rather than maternal actions.
Overview
A miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. It is a common event often caused by issues with fetal development rather than maternal actions.
Symptoms
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Causes
- •chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus
- •maternal health conditions like uncontrolled diabetes
- •hormone imbalances
- •uterine or cervical issues
- •severe infections
Risk factors
- •advanced maternal age (over 35)
- •history of previous miscarriages
- •chronic conditions like thyroid disease
- •smoking or high alcohol consumption
- •being underweight or overweight
How it progresses
3 stages- Stage 1 — EarlyMild or intermittent symptoms; easily mistaken for something minor.Often missed
- Stage 2 — ProgressiveSymptoms become more frequent or severe.
- Stage 3 — EstablishedDaily life affected; medical care strongly recommended.
How it's diagnosed
- •pelvic exam
- •ultrasound scan
- •blood tests for pregnancy hormones (hCG)
- •fetal heart rate monitoring
Treatment options
General educational information only — no dosage advice. Always follow guidance from a qualified clinician.
- •expectant management (waiting for natural passage)
- •medication to help the body pass tissue
- •surgical procedure (D&C) to remove tissue
- •Rh-immunoglobulin if the mother is Rh-negative
- •physical rest and monitoring
- •over-the-counter pain relief for cramping
- •using sanitary pads instead of tampons
- •emotional support and counseling
Complications
- •Long-term damage if untreated
- •Reduced quality of life
- •Worsening symptoms over time
- •Recurrence of miscarriage (spontaneous abortion)
Prevention
- •Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- •See a clinician for routine check-ups
When to seek help
- •Symptoms persist beyond a few days
- •Symptoms interfere with daily activities
- •New or worsening symptoms appear
- •Concerning changes related to miscarriage (spontaneous abortion)
- very heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking a pad in an hour)
- severe abdominal pain or cramping
- fainting or dizziness
- fever and chills
- passing large tissue or clots
In any emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department.
Real-world questions
- ›Can Miscarriage (Spontaneous Abortion) cause headaches?
- ›Is Miscarriage (Spontaneous Abortion) reversible?
- ›How quickly does Miscarriage (Spontaneous Abortion) progress?
- ›Is Miscarriage (Spontaneous Abortion) hereditary?
- ›Can Miscarriage (Spontaneous Abortion) be prevented?
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Frequently asked questions
Possible causes of Miscarriage (Spontaneous Abortion) include chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, maternal health conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, hormone imbalances, uterine or cervical issues.
Miscarriage (Spontaneous Abortion) can be serious and may require prompt medical attention, especially if symptoms are severe or worsening.
Duration varies between individuals. Many cases improve with appropriate care, while others may persist longer and require ongoing management.
Miscarriage (Spontaneous Abortion) typically benefits from medical evaluation and should not be ignored.
Consider seeing a clinician if symptoms are severe, persistent, worsening, or if you have any concerns related to general.
Sources
Information based on general medical references such as:
Last reviewed: May 2026