Gettty Images
-
Parenting
Celebrity Mamas
-
Health
Slideshow
-
Parenting
Pregnancy
A miscarriage is the loss of a baby before the 20th week of pregnancy -- most occurring during the first 12 weeks. Mascarriages occur in about 15 percent of recognized pregnancies and up to a surprising 50 percent of all pregnancies. About 85 percent of women who miscarry go on to have a healthy pregnancy the next time. Get support from women who have also experienced pregnancy loss, as well as the expert answers you need as you cope with miscarriage.
1. How do I know if I'm having a miscarriage?
Symptoms of miscarriage vary. For some women, the first warning sign of miscarriage is a feeling that they aren't pregnant anymore. A woman who is miscarrying may experience minimal to severe cramping -- or may not -- and often has bleeding, ranging from light to heavy. Some women describe the pain of miscarriage as similar to labor. Learn more.
2. When should you contact your care provider?
If you think you're having a miscarriage, you may want to contact your care provider and schedule an ultrasound to check the baby. It's important to contact your care provider immediately if your bleeding gets heavy; if you have intense abdominal pain or cramping; if you have signs of blood loss, such as weakness, dizziness or light-headedness; if you have a fever or any discharge with an odor; or if the bleeding lasts longer than a week. Learn more.
3. Why did this happen to me?
It is normal to question "why" or even feel responsible somehow, despite the fact that very few miscarriages are actually caused by some environmental factor or maternal activity. Learn more.
