Recognizing the Early Signs of a Possible Miscarriage
As many as 30% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, or loss of a pregnancy. Taking prevention measures and recognizing the early signs boost your chance of carrying a healthy pregnancy to term.
It’s helpful to understand your body, recognize when something feels off, and know when to reach out for medical support. Think of it as getting the facts so you can feel a little more in control during a time that can feel anything but.
See our experienced OB/GYN physicians at Women’s Health Services in Arlington or Grand Prairie, Texas, for routine prenatal care and anytime you have signs of a pregnancy concern.
What is a miscarriage?
A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation. Most happen during the first trimester and typically result from chromosomal problems causing the fetus to stop growing. Miscarriages are often beyond the mother’s control. In fact, many women miscarry without even knowing they’re pregnant.
The early signs of a possible miscarriage vary widely, and sometimes overlap with normal pregnancy symptoms. Awareness helps you know what to monitor, what warrants a check-in with your health care provider, and what’s completely normal.
Early signs of a potential miscarriage
Signs of a potential miscarriage include:
- Bleeding that begins as light and progresses to heavy
- Passing blood clots or grayish tissues
- Abdominal pain
- Cramping that feels worse than menstrual cramps
- Decrease in pregnancy symptoms
- Lower back pain
- White-pink vaginal discharge
- Fast heartbeat
- Painful contractions occurring every 5-20 minutes
- Weight loss
Contact Women’s Health Services right away if you notice new, unusual, or worsening symptoms. Save any tissues you pass through your vagina and bring them with you to our office.
However, just because you experience one or more signs of early miscarriage doesn't mean you’ll lose your baby. Many women who have early bleeding or spotting still go on to have successful and healthy pregnancies.
Ways to reduce your risk of miscarriage
While many miscarriages happen spontaneously, some are caused by lifestyle. Consider taking the following steps to minimize your risk:
- Don’t smoke
- Don’t drink alcohol
- Limit or avoid caffeine
- Eat nutritious, whole foods
- Manage diabetes, thyroid disorders, or other chronic conditions
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Limit or avoid highly processed foods and drinks
- Stay active
- Have children before age 35
- Take a prenatal vitamin
- Drink a lot of water
- Get plenty of sleep
- Minimize stress
- Attend all prenatal care appointments
- Contact your doctor immediately if you develop new symptoms
Contact our office anytime with concerns or questions before, during, and after your pregnancy.
Schedule your next obstetrics appointment at Women’s Health Services by contacting our office nearest you. Call us today or book an appointment online anytime.
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