Miscarriage, also known as spontaneous abortion, can be a time of emotional turmoil and can cause a woman to feel a wide range of emotions. She may feel angry, hurt, sad, alone, and confused as to why this happened to her. There are different types of miscarriage with treatments for each kind. Miscarriages usually occur in the first trimester of a pregnancy and the chance of having a certain type of miscarriage also carries its own weight. There are different stages to miscarriage. It is important to learn about early fetal development and to know what changes are supposed to be taking place in your first trimester so that you know what signs and symptoms to look for in the case that a miscarriage is taking place.
Types of Miscarriage
Incomplete Miscarriage
Also known as an “inevitable miscarriage” this type of miscarriage causes severe abdominal and lower back pain. There will be bleeding in conjunction with a cervix that is open. As the cervix is dilated, or effaced, a miscarriage is inevitable, hence its name. There may also be a rupturing of the surrounding membranes. If the miscarriage is not complete there may be continued abdominal pain and cramping and bleeding as well.
Complete Miscarriage
A complete miscarriage, also known as spontaneous abortion, occurs when the embryo completely empties itself out of the uterus. This usually occurs before the 12th week of pregnancy. There is bleeding, pain, and cramping involved but these usually diminish or stop rather quickly.
Threatened Miscarriage
Vaginal bleeding or uterine bleeding, other that spotting, that is accompanied by lower back pain and abdominal cramping could be a sign of a threatened miscarriage. The cervix usually stays closed in this case and bleeding does not necessarily mean that you are miscarrying but that there may be the threat of a miscarriage. In this instance it is important to consult your health care provider to be sure that any bleeding you are experiencing is normal.
Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when an egg that has already been fertilized implants itself in some place other than the uterus. Usually this is in one of the fallopian tubes. It will cause severe abdominal pain that may be accompanied by some bleeding. It is crucial that this be treated before the implanted egg continues to grow. If it is not it could create future complications for a mother who is trying to conceive.
Recurrent Miscarriage
In this type of miscarriage a woman experiences three or more consecutive miscarriages in her first trimester of pregnancy.
Missed Miscarriage
It is possible for a woman to miscarry and not know that a miscarriage has taken place. In this case the embryo dies but is not expelled from the body. The cause of a missed miscarriage is unknown and the only signs are diminished signs and symptoms of pregnancy and the absence of a fetal heart tone.
Sources
Utah Valley Regional Medical Center – Department of Labor and Delivery
Lerner, Henry, and Alice Domar. Miscarriage: Why It Happens and How Best to Reduce Your Risks–A Doctor’s Guide to the Facts. Jackson, TN: Da Capo P; 1 Edition, 2003.
Freda, Margaret C. Miscarriage After Infertility: A Woman’s Guide to Coping. Minneapolis, MN: Fairview P, 2003.
www.americanpregnancy.com (accessed May 3, 2010).
www.medlineplus.com (accessed May 3, 2010).
