Miscarriage: Facts, Risks, and When To Seek Care
Issue No. 4: Black maternal health
words - Diana McDonnell, DNP
ILLUSTRATION - Anna Magenta
What is miscarriage?
Miscarriage is when a fetus or embryo dies before the 20th week of pregnancy. A reported 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriages, though they are likely even more common because many people experience miscarriages before they ever know they are pregnant.
What causes of miscarriage?
Chromosomal or genetic abnormality in the embryo
Serious illness or infection
Traumatic injury
Your risk of miscarriage is higher if you:
Are over 35
Have hypertension, diabetes, or a thyroid disorder
Have had a miscarriage before
You smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs during pregnancy
If you experience any of these symptoms associated with miscarriage, please contact a medical professional:
Vaginal spotting or bleeding
Pelvic pain or abdominal cramping
If your bleeding increases or you develop a fever, seek medical attention immediately, as these can be signs of infection.
What to expect when seeking medical care:
When seeking medical care for a misccariage, you can expect an initial interview with a health care provider to discuss your medical history and symptoms. This is often followed by an ultrasound to check your fetal heart rate and a standard pelvic exam to assess any bleeding. Providers will also examine you for signs of infection, such as fever, elevated heart rate, low blood pressure, or lower abdominal tenderness. A pelvic ultrasound may be performed using a transducer device inserted into the vagina to better visualize internal organs. A procedure is done to remove the embryo/fetus from your uterus—commonly a dilation and curettage (D&C). This is typically an outpatient procedure performed under regional or general anesthesia.
The emotional impact of a miscariage
When a miscarriage occurs, you may not have shared that you were pregnant, which can make it feel like you have to grieve alone. Additionally, there can be pressure to get over the loss quickly as though it isn’t significant enough to be grieved.
If you experience a miscarriage, allow yourself to grieve and reach out to your support system. You may also feel less isolated if you connect with other people who have experienced pregnancy loss.
You can also reach out to The Pregnancy Loss Support Program. Their professionally trained peer volunteers have been through loss themselves and can offer comfort, validation, and a path towards healing after the death of a baby.
