What causes early miscarriage?
The most common cause of an early miscarriage is that there was something wrong with the foetus, leading the body to expel the pregnancy to start anew. Miscarriage can also result from an infection or an underlying medical condition that increases the risk of miscarriage. For the most part, the body manages to expel the entire pregnancy on its own, but sometimes a procedure called scraping may be necessary to ensure the uterus is completely empty.
Bleeding after a miscarriage should gradually decrease and then disappear completely. If you develop a fever, if the bleeding or brownish discharge starts to smell bad or increases in volume, or if you have pain in the lower part of your abdomen, it may be a sign of an infection in the uterus. In this case, seek emergency care. The infection is usually treated with antibiotics.
What does an early miscarriage look like?
The first sign is usually bleeding similar to menstruation. However, in early pregnancy, bleeding is common without indicating a problem. During a miscarriage, bleeding continues until the uterus has expelled the entire pregnancy. Unfortunately, miscarriage cannot be prevented. Up to as many as 15–20% of all pregnancies result in a miscarriage.
The bleeding is often heavier than a regular period, and blood clots, so-called "clots," may be present. Sometimes tissue remnants can also be seen. Many women also experience severe menstrual cramps. Emergency care is not necessary, and you can wait and contact your midwife/maternity care for advice. If a miscarriage is occurring or has already begun in the early part of your pregnancy, unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done to stop or prevent it. Most of the time, the body manages it on its own without the need for medical attention.
When should I seek medical care?
If, in addition to bleeding, you have severe abdominal pain in the lower part of your abdomen or on one side of your abdomen, or if you bleed and feel that your general condition is worsening, seek emergency care. Bleeding combined with pain on one side of the abdomen may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy (the egg has not implanted in the uterus but outside, usually in the fallopian tube). This can quickly become a life-threatening condition if not treated promptly, as the fallopian tube may rupture, causing significant bleeding inside the abdomen.
Support after an early miscarriage
For most women, a miscarriage is associated with various emotions, and all feelings are valid. If you feel grief, allow yourself to grieve. The body can also mourn physically after a miscarriage. If you or your partner need counseling support, there is often a counselor connected to the midwife/maternity care. Do not hesitate to seek help if needed. If you experience repeated miscarriages, an investigation is usually conducted to try to determine if there is any cause for the miscarriages and if so, whether it can be addressed. If you have had one or more miscarriages before this pregnancy, increased anxiety is not uncommon and may persist until the baby is born and you can see with your own eyes that everything is going well.
When can I try to conceive again after early miscarriage?
It may be possible to conceive again just a few weeks after a miscarriage; the body is wise and adjusts quickly. For you, it's about what feels best. Perhaps you need some time to grieve, or maybe trying to conceive again as soon as possible feels right for you. We are all different.
If you have had an infection or other complications associated with the miscarriage, we recommend discussing with your doctor what is most suitable for you.
Source
- Ajne, G., Blomberg, M. & Carlsson Y. (2021). Obstetrik. Studentlitteratur.
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