Introduction
Sometimes pregnancy doesn’t go as expected, which can be upsetting or disappointing. This page has information that can help you understand what is going on.
About 15–20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. The risk of miscarriage is highest during the first trimester, but drops after to about 3%.
Miscarriage
- Overview
- Possible causes
- What to expect
- After a miscarriage
In this Section:
Overview
A miscarriage is the loss of a baby before 20 weeks of pregnancy. A miscarriage may happen suddenly, or gradually, over hours, days or even weeks.
The first signs of miscarriage can be mild to moderate bleeding and cramping. However, some pregnant individuals who have mild to moderate bleeding and cramping may still have a normal pregnancy afterwards.
Miscarriages are more common than people realize. About 15–20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, most often during the first trimester. Sometimes miscarriages can happen without you even knowing you’re pregnant, and may just seem like a late or a heavy period. After the first trimester, the risk of miscarriage drops to about 3%.
Go to the emergency department NOW if you have any of the following:
- you’re soaking one thick menstrual pad or more in 1 hour, for 2 hours in a row
- you feel weak or dizzy
- you’re feeling abdominal pain that is new or is becoming stronger or sharper or you have pain on one side
Possible causes
Most of the time, no one knows why a miscarriage happens.
Some possible reasons are:
- a problem or abnormality with the baby
- being pregnant with more than one baby
- problems with your cervix or uterus
- hormonal problems
- infections, such as listeriosis
- your age or health problems
- tobacco use, alcohol consumption or drug use by you or your partner before and during pregnancy
- domestic violence
- abdominal trauma
- STIs, like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis
- chemicals, like lead
Miscarriages are not caused by:
- too little or too much physical activity
- eating junk food
- not wanting to be pregnant
- having sexual intercourse
After a miscarriage, call Health Link at 811 or your health care provider NOW if you have any of the following:
- cramping or pain in your abdomen
- bleeding from your vagina that will not stop or is getting worse
- passing blood clots larger than 2 cm (¾ inch)
- discharge that smells bad
- a temperature of 38° C (100.4° F) or higher
What to expect
Once a miscarriage begins, it can’t be stopped. It can take several days or weeks.
If you have Rh negative blood, you’ll be given Rh immune globulin. If you haven’t had your blood type checked, you’ll need a blood test to find out if you’re Rh negative.
While many miscarriages don’t need to be treated, medicine may be given to you by your health care provider to make contractions happen, or a procedure called dilation and curettage (D and C) may be needed to clean out your uterus.
After a miscarriage
When a pregnancy ends in a miscarriage, it can be a very emotional time for everyone. Feelings of fear, anxiety, anger and grief are normal. Talk with family and friends for the support you and your partner will need. Many people find it helps to talk with others who’ve also been through a miscarriage. You may want to look for a support group in your area. If you feel very sad or depressed and need emotional support, a counsellor or your health care provider can help you work through the loss of your pregnancy.
To learn more about miscarriages or to find support call Health Link at 811, talk with your health care provider or visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca – After Your Miscarriage.
If you’ve had a miscarriage, you may want to talk with your health care provider before getting pregnant again. Most health care providers suggest that you wait until you’ve had at least one normal menstrual period before you try to get pregnant again. Ask about birth control options if you’re not planning another pregnancy right away. Learn more about birth control options.
If you’re a partner
You may feel helpless at this time. You can provide emotional support and help communicate with health care providers. It’s also important that you get emotional support for yourself.