5 Important facts about miscarriage
What causes it? Can you prevent it? How does it affect your health?
Miscarriages are common
Miscarriage is also known as a spontaneous pregnancy termination or pregnancy ending on its own. It occurs in around 10-20 per cent of all recognised pregnancies. Although, the actual percentage may be as high as 50 per cent.
Many miscarriages occur without the woman ever being aware of her pregnancy. This percentage can increase with age and other social factors. So before you blame yourself for something you might have done, realise that miscarriages are common. They usually have nothing to do with you or your behaviour.
There are different causes and types of miscarriage
Vaginal spotting or bleeding, cramping or abdominal pain, and fluid or tissue passing from the vagina are all signs that you’re having a miscarriage. These symptoms are part of a process. Miscarriage is not a single event. It can unfold in different ways for different reasons.
There are a number of potential causes for the different types of miscarriages. The most common cause is chromosomal abnormality in the fetus, which is often the result of problems with the sperm or egg. Problems in the uterus or cervix or other disorders can also be responsible for miscarriage.
Your lifestyle could be a contributing factor
Most miscarriages are caused by chromosomal abnormalities. There is little you can do to prevent them. However, you can get as healthy as possible in order to provide a fertile bodily environment for conceiving.
Healthy eating and regular exercise can help you avoid miscarriage. One should avoid smoking and alcohol as both of them increase the risk of pregnancy loss and can harm a developing fetus.
Treatment may be necessary
Any bleeding during pregnancy should be immediately reported to your doctor. Miscarriage is not the only cause of vaginal bleeding, so it is important to get the correct diagnosis.
If the bleeding is heavy, or if you have severe abdominal pain (while pregnant), you should seek medical help immediately.
Once the cause of bleeding is known, your doctor can advise you the treatment. Most women who miscarry early in their pregnancy will not need any treatment. In some cases, a procedure may be necessary to remove any tissue remaining in the uterus.
Psychologically, feelings of grief, loss and depression are common after a miscarriage, and keeping these feelings bottled up may only make them worse. Sometimes the best treatment is simply to discuss these feelings with your spouse, a family member or a close friend.
Visit you nearest Marie Stopes Clinic for diagnosis and treatment. To find a clinic near you, click here.
Related: Signs Of An Incomplete Miscarriage
Most women who miscarry can get pregnant again
Having a miscarriage doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant again. As already discussed, miscarriage is not uncommon, and those who’ve experienced a miscarriage have only a slightly elevated risk for another miscarriage in the future.
Have you or your partner experienced a miscarriage? Share your experience or tips in comments or write to us on Facebook. If you have any questions, please visit our forum.
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Recent Comments (56)
I had a miscarriage 3 years…
I had a miscarriage 3 years ago.My uterus was also cleaned to remove the remains. Since then I have never conceived. I really need a child. How can u help me know my problem n the solution.
Dear Humble Waridi, So sorry…
Dear Humble Waridi, So sorry about this. Usually, one should be able to get pregnant even after a miscarriage. It is important that you seek the services of a specialist Gynecologist who may conduct tests and advise you on what steps to take. You can also consider visiting the specialist together with your partner. Check out this article for more tips on getting pregnant;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/pregnancy/before-pregnancy/getting-pregnant-dos-and-donts
What happens to a pregnant…
What happens to a pregnant that doesn’t form for 3 months and its growing pleas help us out.
Hello Fizzy, what do you…
Hello Fizzy, what do you mean that it doesn’t form? I suggest you speak to a health care provider, a Midwife or Gynecologist who will further advice. Have a look at the following article;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/pregnancy/being-pregnant/how-the-baby-develops
I had miscarriage 3 month…
I had miscarriage 3 month ago but am pregnant again. But now am having abdominal pains. Help me please i don’t want to lose this pregnancy again
Dear Adetunji, so sorry…
Dear Adetunji, so sorry about your loss. I suggest you consult your doctor who will be able to advice on what to. We wish you all the best. https://lovemattersafrica.com/pregnancy/being-pregnant/your-body-and-pregnancy
Did you do evacuation ?
Did you do evacuation ?
Hi Chidi, we appreciate your…
Hi Chidi, we appreciate your contribution. This is a process of managing an incomplete miscarriage that’s conducted at a health facility.
Had a miscarriage today…
Had a miscarriage today after experiencing it 6 months ago, please what can I do to stop this help me out.
Dear Esther, we are so sorry…
Dear Esther, we are so sorry about your loss. There is not much you can do for the common causes of miscarriages however, this doesn’t mean one can get pregnant if they had a miscarriage. It is important to take steps to prepare for the next pregnancy by first dealing with loss you have heard but also adopting a healthy lifestyle to prepare your body to be at its best when you choose next to be pregnant. Also, starting your prenatal clinics as soon as you get to know you are pregnant maybe useful for purposes of monitoring the health of the baby and mother. Have a look at the following articles for more information;-
https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-loss/miscarriage-surviving-emotionally/
https://lovemattersafrica.com/pregnancy/being-pregnant/miscarriage
I noticed am pregnant but in…
I noticed am pregnant but in the scan for the first month we saw something small and the second scan I went for was still the same but a little bigger than the first one so I went for the third one today it bigger more than the first and second one but not forming.please what do you think I cant to it because I don’t want to lose it sir?
Dear Hassan, congratulations…
Dear Hassan, congratulations. You seem to be concerned about loosing the pregnancy, there are steps that can be taken to try and manage this or ensure it doesn’t happen. The steps you have taken by going for your prenatal clinics is the right thing to do, since with this your health provider can monitor the growth of your baby and advise as necessary. The earliest you need to have a scan done is at week 6 or 7 and this is if you have any issues. I suggest you discuss your concerns with your doctor for further advice. It is important to know that even when one has had a miscarriage in the past they can still carry a pregnancy to term. Have a look at this article for more information on the development of the baby during pregnancy;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/pregnancy/being-pregnant/how-the-baby-develops
My wife always shed blood…
My wife always shed blood when she’s pregnant after we lose the pregnancy what might be causes of the miscarriage or infection pls xplain
Hello Davidson, first so…
Hello Davidson, first so sorry about your loss. There are a number of potential causes for miscarriages. The most common cause is chromosomal abnormality in the fetus, which is often the result of problems with the sperm or egg. Problems in the uterus or cervix or other disorders can also be responsible for miscarriage. Additionally, have a look at the following article for more information on the causes of miscarriages;- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/miscarriage/causes/ It is important to seek medication when there is any bleeding during pregnancy since this could be a sign of the onset of a miscarriage.
My wife is pregnant barely…
My wife is pregnant barely two weeks after miscarriage. Although, my wife did evacuation any form of remaining fluid from the miscarriage. Is there any side effect to the pregnancy /baby?
Hi Josh, sex isn’t…
Hi Josh, sex isn’t recommended for atleast two weeks after a miscarriage to prevent an infection. One can also, ovulate and become pregnant as soon as two weeks after a miscarriage. In such a case, it is important that your wife consults her doctor or midwife as soon as possible for purposes of monitoring the health of the baby and that of the mother. Seeking these service early also ensures that the health provider takes measures early to reduce the risk of another miscarriage.
Please I had about 3…
Please I had about 3 miscarriages but what I notice is that anytime it want to happen I will start experiencing leg pain after few days it will come down please what could cause it
Dear Becky, we are so sorry…
Dear Becky, we are so sorry about your loss. Most miscarriages happen because of Genetic issues with the foetus, often there is little you can do to address this. It may be helpful to speak to your midwife or doctor if you plan to conceive again. This will ensure that your prepare your body for conception and that after conception both the health of the mother and that of the baby is monitored. Have a look at the following article;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/pregnancy/being-pregnant/miscarriage
I had miscarriages 2 times…
I had miscarriages 2 times. But what I noticed before it came down is usually a back pain…Immidaitialy I noticed the back pain spotting will follow and in no time the pregnancy will cone down. Pls what’s the cause of lower back pain when pregnant thats leads to blood spotting ?
Sorry Afolake for the…
Sorry Afolake for the situation you are in. I can imagine what you are going through. There are many reasons why miscarriages happen and a doctor- gynaecologist is the best person to explain what might be happening. Plan to seek medical attention and advice.
is it possible to be…
is it possible to be pregnant a day before fertility window? As I’m experiencing noisy stomach and sore throat.
Dear Glory, one can get…
Dear Glory, one can get pregnant even if they have sex days before their fertile days. Remember, sperm can survive in ones body for upto 5 days and so even if they had sex before their fertile days they can still get pregnant. If you think you could be pregnant, consider getting a pregnancy test done to be certain. Have a look at the following article;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/pregnancy/unsure-about-being-pregnant/am-i-pregnant
Am pregnant n it’s in d…
Am pregnant n it’s in d early stage,i have been having Series of abdominal pains since last week till today
Hi Gina, some women…
Hi Gina, some women experience abdominal cramping early in pregnancy. These cramps are similar to menstrual cramps. It maybe useful to discuss this with your midwife or doctor, they may prescribe some drugs if they find it necessary to address the pain or any other underlying issues. Check out the following article;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/pregnancy/being-pregnant/your-body-and-pregnancy
I had miscarriage a week ago…
I had miscarriage a week ago but my stomach still inches me and my breast still kinda paining me…plsss what could b the cause
Dear Blessing, so sorry…
Dear Blessing, so sorry about this. These are the changes that were taking place in your body. I suggest you speak to health provider who will be able to further advice.
Please my own case is that…
Please my own case is that my wife can conceive but getting to three months she will miscarriage. This last one was even five months and it landed in miscarriage. We are tired of doctors and testes. Please I need God’s held through you
Dear Silas, we are so sorry…
Dear Silas, we are so sorry about this. We pray that God will help you the next time your partner gets pregnant. There is nothing wrong with seeking the services and advice of health providers. Try and do this before conceive. There are steps that can be taken to try and reduce the chances of an abortion happening. It is possible for your partner to still get pregnant and carry the pregnancy to term. We wish you all the best.
How can i know that i have a…
How can i know that i have a miscarriage because i thoought i was pregnant coz even my periods were late by two weeks but today my periods have started and for the past one month i have been having unprotected sex with my husband…is this am experiencing today a miscarriage coz it is so painful than the normal clums
Dear Rhominah, had you done…
Dear Rhominah, had you done a pregnancy test to determine if you were pregnant? There are different reasons that can make ones period to delay including change in weight, change in environment, hormonal issues, extreme exercising, stress among others. If you suspect you are pregnant do speak with your health care provider as soon as possible. We wish you all the best.
I had miscarriage today due…
I had miscarriage today due to my carelessness I was having serious pain for 2days so I decide to use painkiller arthrotec 75 I took it in the morning and by 7pm I started bleeding seriously and I can seem to forgive myself. Will I be able to get pregnant again because am 41years old already
Hey Lola, first we are so…
Hey Lola, first we are so sorry about the miscarriage. Since this wasn’t your intention do find a way to forgive yourself for you to move forward. If you need to seek professional help which may include speaking to a counselor for further support. If you are still ovulating there is a chance you could still conceive. I suggest you speak to your Doctor or Midwife for further information. We wish you all the best. Have a look at the following article for more information;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/pregnancy/before-pregnancy/getting-pregnant-dos-and-donts
My first pregnancy was a…
My first pregnancy was a blighted ovum, I conceived again by early October but I miscarried my baby at fourteen weeks. What could be the course? Is the there possibility of miscarrying again? Am worried.
Hello Dorice, we are so…
Hello Dorice, we are so sorry to hear that you are gong through such a hard time. Having more than one miscarriage could be a sign of several things including infections, and abnormal hormone levels. It is best that you see a medical professional for a comprehensive disgnosis.
I had miscarriage 3days ago…
I had miscarriage 3days ago. It was a month old. Is there need for me to do D&C cos is still early
Helo Rose, thank you for…
Helo Rose, thank you for reaching out to us. So sorry to hear that you have been through such a hard time. Since the circumstances are unclear it would be best for you to visit a medical practitioner for a complete diagnosis and advice on the way forward.
I had a miscarriage last…
I had a miscarriage last month on 13 since then I just bleeded a little today should I be worried
Hello Umar, thank you for…
Hello Umar, thank you for reaching out to us. We are so sorry to hear you went through a miscarriage. Bleeding after a miscarriage is normal and may vary from spotting, and passing clots to period-like bleeding. However, this usually happens immediately after the event. This seems like a medical issue and we strongly suggest you see a medical practitioner for a comprehensive diagnosis and advice on the way forward.
Pls help a sister if I…
Pls help a sister if I conceive once the pregnancy is 4month I will have miscarriage this thing have happen to me twice I don’t know what to do
Hello Jenny, thank you for…
Hello Jenny, thank you for reaching out to us. We are so sorry to hear that you have had such a rough time. Since this is a medical issue, we strongly suggest that you see a medical practitioner to get proper medical advice.
I’m six weeks pregnant…
I’m six weeks pregnant feeling the normal pregnancy symptoms but all of a sudden the symptoms disappeared. What could causes that??
Hi Anonymous, during…
Hi Anonymous, during pregnancy your body goes through a lot of changes and reacts to all of them differently. Which is why sometimes we have symptoms and the next day they disappear. However, if you are concerned go see a medical practitioner to get a proper diagnosis and advice on the way forward.
I had miscarriage 5days ago…
I had miscarriage 5days ago and am having adnominal pain what should I take to reduce the pain. And I just had sex today hope it don’t affect me
Hello gift, , thank you for…
Hello gift, , thank you for reaching out to us and we are deeply sorry that you have had to undergo something as difficult as a miscarriage. First and foremost, remember that you are not alone in this process and that we are here for you. Since this is a medical issue we strongly advise you see a medical professional for a comprehensive diagnosis.
Here is a list of health institutions that should be of help
https://lovemattersafrica.com/get-help/clinics
Have had about 4_5…
Have had about 4_5 miscarriages, first after my first issue then 3 times after my second. Have done series of ultrasound which confirm everything okay but ‘m worried because I need another child,wishing for twin baby girls. The doctors had said a lot of things,that it might be an abnormal pregnancy, infections,and the gynochologist I visited last said it might be incompetent cervix. ‘m totally confused right now. Please what should I do to stopped this,thus what should I do to stop this ‘m really really tired.
Hello Okwii, thank you for…
Hello Okwii, thank you for getting in touch and we are sorry you are going through a hard time. Considering that you have already visited a doctor severally, the best thing to do is follow his/her advice as keenly as possible. An alternative to that is to get a second opinion from another medical physician to see what other issues may have been overlooked or misdiagnosed.
Had a complete miscarriage…
Had a complete miscarriage according to the doctor 4 days ago, some drugs were prescribed to me which I’ve been taking.But I’m still spotting blood and still having waist pain…more like cramps.
What can I do to stop the pain?
Thank you in anticipation.
Hi Wuraola, thank you for…
Hi Wuraola, thank you for reaching out to us. We are so sorry that you went through such a hard time. Cramping and spotting after a miscarriage. However, if you are concerned about it please visit a medical practitioner for advice on the way forward.
I had a recurrent…
I had a recurrent miscarriage, my husband sperm is ok because a test have been carried on him, but no test was carried on me, I asked the gynaecologist but he said it’s not necessary but yet am not still convinced. Please what should I do.
Hello Nancy, thank you for…
Hello Nancy, thank you for getting in touch and we are sorry to hear about your miscarriages. The best thing we can advise is for you to get a second opinion from another gynecologist seeing as your current one seems like their not too keen on proceeding with your request.
My girlfriend is pregnant,…
My girlfriend is pregnant, she took alcohol (chrome) without me knowing, she is now feeling hotness when eating anything she also got blood spot yesterday but one and she has never seen that again, can you please tell me is she still pregnant or its over?
Hello John, thank you for…
Hello John, thank you for getting in touch and asking a great question. We are sorry you are going through a hard time but we are here for you. First of all, lets acknowledge that your partner is pregnant, congratulations! And now you start rewinding the night of conception and getting preoccupied whether you had a drink or two. Don’t worry about that. At present we don’t know if drinking before conceiving can be bad for the baby.
But once women know that they’re expecting, they have to stay away from alcohol. Alcohol easily gets into the unborn baby’s bloodstream. So if the mother drinks, the baby drinks too. This can stop the baby’s brain from developing. And heavy drinking can cause birth defects. It’s hard to say if one drink can harm the baby, but as soon as women have two glasses of alcohol a day, their babies are born a bit smaller than normal. So the only safe advice is don’t drink alcohol when you’re pregnant.
Bleeding and spotting from the vagina during pregnancy are common. Up to 1 out of 4 (up to 25%) of all pregnant women have some bleeding or spotting so do not worry too much about it. Bleeding and spotting in pregnancy don’t always mean there’s a problem, but they can be a sign of miscarriage or other serious complications. Therefore, depending on how much chrome she drank and how far into the pregnancy she is, it is best to visit a doctor and get a more informed consultation.
Here is a list of health institutions that should be of help
https://lovemattersafrica.com/get-help/clinics
Can someone be pregnant and…
Can someone be pregnant and still have her period every month is it normal
Hi Lena, thank you for…
Hi Lena, thank you for getting in touch and asking a great question. After a girl is pregnant, she no longer gets her period. But girls who are pregnant can have other bleeding that might look like a period. For example, there can be a small amount of bleeding when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. Doctors call this implantation bleeding. It usually happens around the same time a girl would normally get her period. Other things can also cause bleeding, like a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy (when the fertilized egg implants someplace other than in the uterus). An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency. If you think you might be pregnant and have pain or bleeding, call the doctor right away.
I have vaginal spotting but…
I have vaginal spotting but with no pain does it mean I have miscarriage or not am confused
Hello Monies Monica, click…
Hello Monies Monica, click on the following link to find out more 🙂
https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/female-body/menstruation