Bleeding (hemorrhage) is the most common sign of a pregnancy loss. The following article will cover some information related to vaginal loss of blood due to miscarriage, and help you understand more about this unfortunate event.
Miscarriage, or spontaneous abortion, is sudden loss of pregnancy in the first 20 weeks. Spotting in early pregnancy is considered common; however, it should always be confirmed by a gynecologist. Though all bleeding during pregnancy does not indicate loss of a fetus, it may indicate some abnormal happenings in the pregnancy.
Bleeding
During Early Loss of Pregnancy
Early miscarriage is seen when the pregnancy ends on its own within the first 20 weeks of gestation. Most of the pregnancies are lost shortly after implantation that results in early loss of pregnancy. Most of the time, the bleeding is observed around the time a woman expects her periods. Thus, many won’t even realize they have experienced a chemical pregnancy or loss of fetus.
After Loss of Pregnancy
Vaginal bleeding is the most common after spontaneous abortion. One may experience light spotting to heavy bleeding. Blood clots, brown discharge, and unidentifiable tissue is a sign of the same. A woman may experience cramps and pain in the pelvis and back. Also the signs of pregnancy, that is, breast tenderness, morning sickness, and frequent urination may stop abruptly. If you observe any type of vaginal loss of blood, speak to your doctor immediately.
Duration
The duration of miscarrying a baby is different for every woman who experiences this event. Normally, the bleeding should stop within two weeks after spontaneous abortion. If it continues for a longer duration, it means that it is a sign of incomplete loss of pregnancy. The pregnancy tissue is still present in the uterus, and this could increase the risk of infection.
After Natural Loss of Pregnancy
Any bleeding other than spotting, may indicate natural loss of pregnancy. You may experience mild to severe cramping. The loss of blood may be mild to heavy.
In case of threatened miscarriage, you may continue without further problems and have a full-term pregnancy. You may experience vaginal bleeding, that is, pale-brown discharge or heavy bleeding with blood clots. Mild pain similar to menstrual cramps may be experienced. The vaginal hemorrhage eases off with quick medical help, and the woman may continue with a full-term pregnancy. However, there are more chances of early labor in threatened miscarriage.
In case of inevitable loss of pregnancy, the uterus contracts and dilates into the cervix. The cervix is opened, and in case of uterus contraction, the fetus is lost. The inevitable bleeding is heavier than during threatened miscarriage and is accompanied by strong, painful contractions of the uterus.
Complete loss of pregnancy is seen when the fetus and placenta are expelled from the uterus completely. This occurs suddenly and the blood flow slowly decreases and stops. Soon, the uterus comes back to its normal size.
In incomplete pregnancy loss, some of the conception products remain in the uterus that leads to bleeding for several days.
Missed miscarriage is when the baby dies and is not expelled out of the womb. One will not experience the symptoms, but all other feelings of being pregnant disappear. One may experience bleeding that may have eased off gradually.
Hormonal imbalances, uterus abnormalities, multiple pregnancies, ectopic pregnancies, etc., can be termed as possible causes. Speak to your doctor regarding any signs of spontaneous abortion and any doubts that you may have regarding your condition. Coping with pregnancy loss is very difficult; however, with advice from your doctor, you should think about conceiving again.
Disclaimer: This HerHaleness article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
