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What Are Signs and Symptoms of a Potential Pregnancy Loss?
A pregnancy loss that occurs before 20 weeks gestation is known as a miscarriage or, medically, a spontaneous abortion. This most often happens in the first trimester (up to week […]
A pregnancy loss that occurs before 20 weeks gestation is known as a miscarriage or, medically, a spontaneous abortion. This most often happens in the first trimester (up to week 13). After 20 weeks, pregnancy loss is known as stillbirth. There are various signs and symptoms that may indicate pregnancy loss, both early- and late-term.
Signs of Potential Miscarriage (Before 20 weeks)
According to Cleveland Clinic, signs of a miscarriage may include:
- Vaginal bleeding — This can range from light spotting to heavy bleeding, and may or may not be accompanied by cramping and pain.
- Passing tissue from the vagina — This may look like large blood clots or grayish tissue (if possible, save tissue that you pass for examination by a healthcare provider).
- Abdominal pain — This may feel like menstrual cramps, though is often more severe.
- Lower back pain — Mild to severe.
- Fast heartbeat
- Absence of pregnancy symptoms — If you’d been experiencing symptoms like nausea, breast tenderness, food cravings/aversions that suddenly disappear, it could be a sign of miscarriage.
Signs of Potential Stillbirth (After 20 weeks)
- Decreased fetal movement — If you notice that your baby is moving less than usual or not moving at all, it can be a sign of stillbirth. This is often the only noticeable sign. If your baby is vigorously moving much more than usual, this could be an indication something is amiss, though fluctuations in fetal activity are normal.
- Abdominal cramps and vaginal bleeding — This is experienced by some but not all.
Please note that experiencing any or all of these signs and symptoms does not necessarily mean a miscarriage or stillbirth has occurred and could be related to other pregnancy issues. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider if you experience any of these signs or have concerns about your pregnancy.
Sources
“Stillbirth”. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9685-stillbirth
“What Causes a Loss of Pregnancy Symptoms?”. Parents. https://www.parents.com/is-loss-of-pregnancy-symptoms-a-sign-of-miscarriage-2371242
“Miscarriage”. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9688-miscarriage
“Miscarriage”. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
