Miscarriage

What is the chance that I will miscarry?

Miscarriages are very common, occurring in 15 to 20 percent of pregnancies. Usually miscarriage happens in the first 8 weeks. Most often the reason a miscarriage occurs is not known, but it usually means the fetus was not developing properly. Miscarriage is usually a very sad, difficult experience for women to go through. However, even if you do have a miscarriage or more than one, your chance of having a healthy pregnancy in the future is still very good.

I’m pregnant and am having vaginal bleeding – am I having a miscarriage?

It’s important for you to take any vaginal bleeding seriously. Contact your health care provider as soon as you notice any bleeding. About one-third of pregnant women have some bleeding before the 20^th week, and about half of these pregnancies continue without further problem. Common signs of a miscarriage include vaginal bleeding, the passage of clots and tissue, and cramping or pain in the lower pelvis or back. There is no treatment that can stop a miscarriage, but you should still talk to your health care provider for guidance. Usually a miscarriage will happen on its own, over the course of several days. However, sometimes a medical procedure called a D&C (dilation and curettage) will be conducted to help clear out any remaining tissue. If you have signs of infection like fever, or heavy blood loss, you should see your care provider right away. If you have bleeding during pregnancy and have Rh negative blood, you will be given an Rh antibody injection to avoid Rh problems in later pregnancy.