Most miscarriages occur in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. They are painful, sad occurrences for many women, but the mother has no culpability. In some instances, they can occur without any signs, while others may experience symptoms. Let’s learn more about the signs of a miscarriage and when to call your doctor.
Miscarriage Statistics
Most miscarriages occur in the first 13 weeks, and they occur in 10 to 25% of pregnancies. 50 to 75% of miscarriages occur immediately after implantation and before a woman’s next period. When this happens, a woman may not even realize she was pregnant. This infers many miscarriages are not reported.
Other miscarriage stats include:
- Age increases the risk of miscarriage.
- A woman under age 35 has a 15% chance of a miscarriage.
- A woman 35 to 45 has a 20 to 35% chance of a miscarriage.
- A woman over 45 has a 50% chance of a miscarriage.
- A woman who had a previous miscarriage has a 25% chance of another.
Risk factors are increased due to age, drug use, smoking, and a heavy caffeine intake.
Most Common Signs of Miscarriage
Bleeding
Bleeding is the main symptom of a miscarriage, although this does not always predict a miscarriage. Many women do not even know they have had one until their next scan confirms it.
Bleeding can begin light, but get heavier or even become a gush of blood. The color of the blood can range from red, pink, or brown. A woman can see discharge the color of coffee grounds or near black with a miscarriage.
Tissue along with a clot, passed from the vagina is another sign.
Back Pain
This can be mild or severe, but worse than normal menstrual cramps.
Other commons signs of a miscarriage include the following:
- Pink/white mucus
- Abdominal pain
- Severe cramps
- Contractions
- Weakness
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Fewer signs of pregnancy
Call Florida Women’s Health
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact your physician to determine if you have had or are having a miscarriage. They will conduct several tests and make recommendations. Sadly, if you have had a miscarriage, there is nothing your physician can do other than to offer support.
If you have fever, pain and chills, contact Florida Women’s Health immediately as you may have an infection.
Importantly, 85% of women who have had a miscarriage go on to have a normal pregnancy and birth.
Contact Florida Women’s Health at (352) 820-4392 if you suspect you may be having a miscarriage.
