Miscarriage Specialist

What is a miscarriage?

Also referred to as “pregnancy loss,” a miscarriage is when your baby dies in the womb before 20-weeks gestation. Most women miscarry during the first trimester.

Doctors aren’t certain of the exact number of pregnancies that end in miscarriage since many women miscarry before they even know they’re pregnant, but it’s theorized that more than half of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. 

How do I know if I am having a miscarriage?

If you know you’re pregnant, there are certain symptoms that can indicate you’re having a miscarriage. These symptoms include:

• Unexpected heavy bleeding
• Belly pain
• Menstrual cramps

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, call Mott Women Healthcare right away for medical assistance and guidance. Your OB/GYN can perform tests, including a pelvic exam, blood test, and ultrasound, to assess the health of your baby.

While these symptoms are always concerning, you could experience them during your pregnancy and not miscarry. 

Why did I have a miscarriage?

Several reasons can explain why you might have miscarried your baby. Some of the more common causes include:

• Chromosomal defect
• Problems with the uterus
• Infections, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) also increases your risk of having a miscarriage. You can also be more at risk of having a miscarriage if you’re older than 35 or smoke cigarettes.

What happens after a miscarriage?

Treatment after your miscarriage can vary and depend on your health and individualized needs. Your OB/GYN can recommend a dilation and curettage – a D&C – to remove remaining tissue or medicine to help your body pass the tissue from your uterus.

It can take up to six weeks for your menstrual cycle to resume after having a miscarriage.

If you’ve had multiple miscarriages, your OB/GYN can recommend additional testing to help identify the cause, including chromosomal or hormonal testing.

When can I try to get pregnant again?

A miscarriage can have a significant effect on your emotional well-being, and the decision to try again is something you need to discuss with your partner. However, if additional tests are recommended to assess the cause of your miscarriages, your OB/GYN might suggest you hold off on trying to get pregnant until after the testing.

For compassionate care, call Mott Women Healthcare or schedule an appointment using the online booking button.