Miscarriage, the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week, is a heartbreaking experience for many individuals and couples. Although it is very common, this topic is often met with silence and misunderstanding. Understanding the different types of miscarriage can help provide clarity and support.
Here is a comprehensive overview of the various types of miscarriages, their causes, and what to expect.
What is a Miscarriage?
A miscarriage, also known as spontaneous abortion, is the natural termination of a pregnancy before the fetus can survive outside the womb. It’s estimated that 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, with the majority occurring in the first trimester.
Types of Miscarriage
Understanding the different types of miscarriage can help you and your healthcare provider determine the appropriate course of action.
Here’s a breakdown of the types of miscarriage
- Threatened Miscarriage: This occurs when vaginal bleeding or spotting is present in the first trimester, but the cervix remains closed.
a. There may or may not be cramping.
b. The pregnancy may continue successfully, or it may progress to a complete miscarriage.
c. Monitoring and rest are often recommended. - Inevitable Miscarriage: This type of miscarriage is characterized by vaginal bleeding, cramping, and cervical dilation.
a. The pregnancy is no longer viable, and a miscarriage is unavoidable.
b. The contents of the uterus will be expelled. - Incomplete Miscarriage: This occurs when the pregnancy is no longer viable and some, but not all, of the pregnancy tissue has been expelled from the uterus.
a. Symptoms include heavy bleeding, cramping, and the passage of tissue.
b. Medical intervention, such as a dilation and curettage (D&C), may be necessary to remove the remaining tissue. - Complete Miscarriage: This is when all pregnancy tissue has been expelled from the uterus.
a. Bleeding and cramping will typically subside after the tissue has passed.
b. An ultrasound can confirm that the uterus is empty. - Missed Miscarriage (Silent Miscarriage): This occurs when the embryo or fetus has died, but the body does not recognize the pregnancy loss, and there are no symptoms.
a. It is often discovered during a routine ultrasound.
b. Medical intervention, such as medication or a DNC, is usually required to remove the tissue. - Recurrent Miscarriage: Defined as two or more consecutive miscarriages.
a. This can be emotionally devastating and may require further investigation to identify underlying causes.
b. Possible causes include genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, or uterine abnormalities. - Chemical Pregnancy: A very early miscarriage that occurs before an ultrasound can detect a fetal heartbeat.
a. It is often detected by a positive pregnancy test followed by bleeding a few days or weeks later.
b. This is a very early loss. - Septic Miscarriage: This is a miscarriage that becomes infected.
a. This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
b. Symptoms include fever, chills, pelvic pain, and foul-smelling discharge.
Causes of Miscarriage
While the exact cause of a miscarriage is not always known, some common factors include:
- Chromosomal abnormalities: The most common cause, especially in first-trimester miscarriages.
- Hormonal imbalances: Such as progesterone deficiency.
- Uterine abnormalities: Such as fibroids or a septum.
- Autoimmune disorders: Such as lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome.
- Infections: Such as toxoplasmosis or rubella.
- Lifestyle factors: Such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use.
- Maternal age: The risk of miscarriage increases with age.
When to Seek Medical Attention
- Heavy bleeding (soaking through a pad or more in an hour)
- Severe pain
- Fever or chills
- Foul-smelling discharge
If you believe you have experienced a miscarriage, remember that you are not alone. Please reach out to your healthcare provider.
Helpful links
8 Warning Signs of Miscarriage
Video: Have you had a chemical pregnancy?
Source: Healthline
Posted on March 24, 2025 View the blog
