Signs of a Miscarriage

Early pregnancy can be a time filled with anxiety for expectant mothers. The signs of a miscarriage are not always clear and, more often than not, are also normal symptoms in a healthy pregnancy. If these symptoms of a miscarriage become apparent, however, contact your health care provider immediately to determine the cause and receive proper treatment.

  1. Vaginal Bleeding

    • Spotting or bleeding is often the first sign of a miscarriage, but it can also be a normal occurrence in early pregnancy. The bleeding can be light to heavy and consistent or sporadic. If pain is present, this is most likely an indicator of miscarriage. Bleeding accompanied by cramps is especially cause for concern.

    Pain

    • Pain, accompanied by vaginal bleeding, is another sign of a miscarriage. It can manifest itself as pelvic cramps, abdominal pain or a low backache. The pain usually starts after bleeding, anywhere from a few hours to several days.

    Passage of Blood Clots

    • Vaginal bleeding in itself is not always a reliable indicator of a miscarriage. However, when blood clots are being passed, this is usually an indication that fetal matter is being passed from the body, especially if grayish tissue is present in the clots.

    Disappearing Pregnancy Symptoms

    • Although normal hormone fluctuations can cause symptoms to come and go during a healthy pregnancy, symptoms that disappear suddenly and permanently could also point to a "missed" miscarriage. If this is the case, a doctor can order blood work and an ultrasound to check the viability of the embryo or fetus.

    Falling hCG Levels

    • If a miscarriage is suspected, your doctor will order blood work to check the hCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, levels. These levels are present in a healthy pregnancy approximately seven to eight days after conception. If the pregnancy progresses normally, these levels should double every 48 to 72 hours. Blood will be drawn at three intervals to check the progression. If a miscarriage is imminent, the levels of hCG in the blood will fall off dramatically over a period of days.

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