10 Early Signs of Miscarriage Every Woman Should Know

Knowing the early signs of miscarriage can make all the difference when you’re pregnant. While it’s not something you want to think about, knowing allows you to spot any warning signs early on so you can call your doctor right away. The truth is, miscarriage happens more frequently than most of us are aware of, and sometimes symptoms are so undeveloped that they might not even be detected.

A miscarriage is when a pregnancy naturally is lost within 20 weeks. There are many reasons why this might occur, but the thing is to know the signs that it might be so that you can act quickly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through ten signs that might mean something isn’t right, but keep in mind, every pregnancy is different and only your healthcare worker can actually say.

10 Signs You May Be Having a Miscarriage

1. Vaginal Bleeding or Spotting

Unusual bleeding or spotting is the most common symptom of miscarriage. Others normally spot during early pregnancy, but abnormal heavy bleeding that is similar to a period may be something to worry about. Examine the color and how long it lasts, and if it feels strange, don’t hesitate to call your physician.

It’s also easy to mix up pregnancy bleeding with a delayed period or bleeding during implantation. But with cramps, back pain, or passing tissue, it could be a warning sign. Better safe than sorry.

2. Severe Abdominal or Back Pain

A little cramping is just fine during pregnancy, but severe pain or unexpected pain in your lower abdomen or back could mean something is wrong. They can be a lot like horrible period cramps but last longer or move more forcefully.

If you are wondering what does a miscarriage feels like, the majority of women describe the pain as dull and constant or stabbing and cutting. If you also experience bleeding or have the impression that something is off, call your doctor right away.

3. Sudden Loss of Pregnancy Symptoms

Sudden, unannounced and abrupt disappearing of pregnancy symptoms like sore breasts, nausea, and tiredness can signal that something is wrong. It does not exactly mean miscarriage, but sudden radical change is something to watch out for. 

This may also be a sneaky sign of silent miscarriage, where the body resorts to withdrawing its support for the pregnancy and does not display the usual indications of bleeding or cramping. Most cases demand an ultrasound or a blood test for substrate of what is happening.

4. Passing Tissue or Clots

Gray or white tissue, or clots, passing through the vagina is a definite sign to call your doctor. This tissue sometimes can look like a thick mucus, but it’s certainly different from your normal spotting or mucus.

Aside from this tissue, you can also have heavy bleeding or cramping. If you do pass something abnormal, it’s best to retain it (if at all possible) and take it in to have your provider look at it, this can help them understand what’s happening.

5. Severe Fatigue or Weakness

Being tired is typical for any pregnant woman; sudden fatigue accompanied by dizziness or weakness may be a sign of trouble. If you are so tired that it is pretty much impossible for you to get through the day, seek medical attention. 

Severe fatigue can sometimes connect to miscarriage risk factors, like hormone issues or even internal bleeding. Just hear your body, extreme tiredness isn’t something to ignore.

6. Severe Uterine Contractions

Get a feeling that your belly is tightening or contracting rhythmically, just like mini labor pains, and it may actually be an early sign of miscarriage. Such contractions could be fun to be with and could interfere with your daily activities.

If you are confused between miscarriage and period symptoms, know that miscarriage cramps are usually stronger, and they go away unlike normal period cramps; trust your gut feelingif it feels wrong, it probably is.

7. Lower Back Pressure or Pain

A sore lower back can be part of any pregnancy, but a nagging, persistent pain that does not abate could be an indication that there is something wrong. This can stay in your back or travel down your legs.

Most women write off this as another pregnancy symptom. But if you also notice spotting during pregnancy, it’s smart to check in with your doctor just to be safe.

8. Chills or Fever

Chills or a slight fever are not regular occurrences during pregnancy. At a level of temperature of 100.4°F or above, it is best to call up your healthcare provider, especially if there are other symptoms such as cramps or bleeding. Other symptoms of miscarriage coincide with fever, such as infections or some serious problem. Medical intervention should be sought before it is too late.

9. Unexplained Weight Loss

Sudden weight loss, especially during early pregnancy, is a warning sign. Your body is meant to gain weight in order to support your baby, so weight loss means something is wrong. It typically happens when pregnancy hormones reduce. If you also notice that your belly feels less bloated or your breasts are less swollen, this could point to early signs of miscarriage. Don’t take changes such as these lightly.

10. Fetal Movement Reduces (in Late Pregnancy)

Before the 18th or 20th week, there won’t be much movement to feel; however, if the woman is past that stage of pregnancy but notices any reduction in movement or absolute cessation of that movement, it can be a serious matter to keep an eye on. Always inform your physician if there is a sudden decrease in movement. A big reduction in activity might mean bleeding during pregnancy or another complication. Trust your instincts; if something feels off, go and get it checked.

Possible Causes and Risk Factors for Miscarriage

All sorts of things can cause miscarriages either related to genetics, hormonal changes, or perhaps an infection. Other risk factors include age, smoking, drinking alcohol, and certain pathologies. Knowing your miscarriage risk factors helps you stay on top of your health.

Some women have physical problems that raise their risk of miscarriage, such as problems with the shape of the uterus. Your doctor will inform you whether or not you have any of these risks.

When to See Medical Advice

If you feel any of the early signs of miscarriage, don’t wait, phone your doctor. They can ask you to take blood tests or an ultrasound to check what is happening.

Getting medical attention sooner can prevent other complications like infection or too much bleeding. Err on the side of caution, even if it is nothing.

How to Tell Miscarriage from Other Conditions

Sometimes it may be difficult to tell if it is a miscarriage or some other thing, like menstruation. Normal pricking or spotting could occur in pregnancy, but large amounts of bleeding and passing of tissue usually indicate a miscarriage.

This can also be confused with ectopic pregnancy. But please never disturb yourself by making an educated guess; it is only your doctor who can tell the real story.

Emotional Impact of Miscarriage

By miscarrying, it is not just physical but emotional as well. Feelings of sadness, anger, or confusion are normal. It’s all right to grieve and to seek support from family and friends or a counselor.

Many women remain troubled about the future after suffering such loss. Talking to your doctor about the miscarriage and, more importantly, concerning the prospects ahead can help calm an anxious mind. You are not alone.

Having a little knowledge about what a miscarriage looks like will put you in a place of power about your pregnancy. Most of the time, all is well, but if just something feels off, go with your gut and have it checked. 

If you see things like spotting during pregnancy or heavy cramping, don’t wait. It just might be the one phonecall that will determine the fate of your health and of your baby’s.