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First Signs and Symptoms of a Miscarriage

Woman after miscarriage

Falling pregnant is something that some women seem to be able to do just by getting close to a man. However, for others, it is a lot more difficult. Some women have recurrent miscarriages and other pregnancy problems. Then, there are those women who just are unlucky and have one miscarriage before simply giving birth to a healthy, beautiful baby. Unfortunately, it is often not clear what the miscarriage causes are. Some say it is nature, others say it is a genetic defect in the baby, a dormant infection or other health reasons. Clearly, miscarriage causes are something that you probably won’t be able to find out about.

Miscarriage Statistics
The following statistics are not set in stone – there seems to be little consensus about the exact numbers or about miscarriage reasons. However, the average statistics are all very similar and suggest that:
• 80% of pregnancies are healthy pregnancies.
• 75% of miscarriages happen in the first two weeks of pregnancy. This means that many women who think. they are going through normal menstruation are actually experiencing miscarriage signs.
• 10% of miscarriages happen between weeks three and six of pregnancy and 5% happen between weeks six and twelve.
• After week 20, a miscarriage is no longer called a miscarriage, since your baby is no longer called a foetus then either and would possibly be viable.

In terms of pregnancy after miscarriage:
• If your very first pregnancy ended in miscarriage, your chance of having a second one are just as big as those for women who have never been pregnant.
• If you have had a miscarriage after you have had a child, the chance of a second miscarriage is around 10%.
• If you have had two miscarriages after you have had a child, the chance of a second miscarriage is 40%.

The Signs and Symptoms of Miscarriage
Let’s first take a look at the signs and symptoms that almost always indicate a miscarriage. Do remember, however, that it does not 100% mean you are miscarrying. You must, however, seek medical attention straight away to confirm what is happening if you experience any of these miscarriage signs.

Early signs of miscarriage include experiencing heavy bleeding. A pad will be soaked in just a few hours or even less. Do not wear a tampon if you are pregnant and experience bleeding. You may also experience heavy cramping that doubles you over and makes you breathe as if you were in labour. Remember that technically, you are in labour. You may also pass very large blood clots or other slimy materials in a pink or grey colour. Another of the common miscarriage symptoms is experiencing throbbing pain in the lower back, again resembling labour.

Other Signs and Symptoms of Miscarriage
If you experience any of the above miscarriage symptoms, it is likely that you are experiencing a miscarriage. However, similar symptoms could also mean your baby is simply settling into its new position. This is why it is so important that you seek medical attention when you experience early miscarriage symptoms, since it could also point to an infection or other problems that you may need help with. For instance, if you take a pregnancy test with a positive result and what to double check a few days later, only to find it to be negative, you may be experiencing an ectopic pregnancy. This is a potentially life threatening condition and you must seek medical attention immediately. Cramping and bleeding, as well as loss of pregnancy symptoms, may mean nothing more than your body settling to its new condition. However, do get it checked. Never feel as if you are wasting doctors’ and nurses’ time, it is their job to look after you and make sure you are alright.

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