Finding out that you’re going to have a baby is exciting, but you are also scared thinking – what if something happens to the baby or what if you have a miscarriage? It is something you do not want to think about, but it is better to know the signs and symptoms of a miscarriage to be better aware.
A miscarriage is the loss of a baby, in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Nowadays, miscarriages are even more common as women get to know that they’re pregnant, very early on. In the past, women wouldn’t even realise that they have miscarried since they would bleed upon a miscarriage and thought of it as a late period. This could happen in cases of a chemical pregnancy, wherein the egg gets fertilised but doesn’t get implanted. The pregnancy hormone is produced and a pregnancy test may reveal that you’re pregnant but it is not a viable pregnancy.
There are a few signs and symptoms of an early miscarriage –
1. Bleeding
Usually, the first and the most common sign of a miscarriage is bleeding. Since it is very common in the first trimester, bleeding may not necessarily be due to miscarriage. But if you notice that you’re bleeding as if you were menstruating and if it is accompanied by cramps, it might be due to a miscarriage. You would notice bright, red blood or a brownish discharge. There may be clots or tissue as well. Sometimes, it also happens that women who miscarry do not experience any bleeding.
2. Cramping and pain
If your uterus tries to expel the pregnancy, you may experience menstrual-like cramps and this may be a sign of miscarriage. If you experience pain along with bleeding and cramps, you should consult your doctor. You might also experience pain in your lower back, although it could be normal during pregnancy thus it is best to talk to your doctor about any signs that you’re experiencing.
3. Whitish-pink discharge
If you notice a whitish-pink discharge from the vagina, you may have suffered from a miscarriage. Thus, always check if you notice any unusual discharge.
4. Pregnancy symptoms subside
Normal symptoms that you experience during pregnancy such as breast tenderness and nausea, may subside because the hormone levels would decrease if you have had a miscarriage.
There may be a lot of reasons that would cause a miscarriage. Genetic factors and chromosomal problems, hormonal imbalance, placental and uterine problems, an ectopic pregnancy or an illness – any of these could cause a miscarriage.
Unfortunately, there is no way in which a miscarriage can be avoided, but certain factors can be kept in mind if you’re trying to get pregnant again. All expecting mothers should abstain from drugs, alcohol and smoking and follow a well-balanced, healthy diet. You should also be aware of the risks of infections and be aware of the movements.
Before trying for another baby, you must wait for some time. It is completely okay to not be ready for a baby, for a while as a miscarriage is devastating for any couple.
