What Is a Miscarriage and How Common Is It?
A miscarriage refers to the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks. Most occur within the first trimester, typically before 12 weeks gestation. While it can feel devastating, miscarriage is more common than many realize—often affecting up to 15–20% of recognized pregnancies. Because early miscarriages may occur before someone even knows they were pregnant, the actual rate may be higher.
Understanding how common miscarriage is doesn’t lessen the emotional weight—but knowing it’s not rare may bring comfort amid the grief. It’s a reminder: you are not alone in this experience.
Why Do Miscarriages Happen?
Most miscarriages result from chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo—things beyond anyone’s control. In essence, the body ends the pregnancy when something isn’t developing normally. Other contributing factors may include:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Uterine structural issues
- Immune or blood clotting conditions
- Uncontrolled chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, thyroid)
- Lifestyle factors (e.g., severe undernutrition, extreme stress, drug exposure)
- Infections or physical trauma
Even when a cause is identified, it often can’t be reversed. But knowing why can guide support, next steps, and strategies for future pregnancies.
What Is Recurrent Pregnancy Loss?
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) refers to two or more consecutive miscarriages. While one miscarriage is relatively common, experiencing multiple losses raises the possibility of an underlying factor to explore. Still, even within RPL, many people eventually go on to have successful pregnancies—especially when challenges are identified and addressed.
How Is Miscarriage Diagnosed?
- Vaginal ultrasound showing no heartbeat or no gestational sac
- Blood tests measuring hCG that don’t rise appropriately
- Clinical exam revealing cervical changes consistent with pregnancy loss
In very early cases, miscarriage may resemble a delayed period, and diagnosis may rest on tracking findings over days or weeks.
What Emotional Impact Can Miscarriage Have?
Miscarriage often comes with a deep emotional toll. You may experience grief, guilt, a sense of failure, or disconnection from others. Emotions can be unpredictable: one day numb, the next overwhelmed. Experiencing loss early may feel isolating, yet the emotional reality is profound. Honoring that grief through safe expression, gentle support, or community is part of healing.
Should You See a Doctor After a Miscarriage?
Yes. A follow-up visit helps confirm that tissue has passed, assures safety, and opens access to emotional support and planning. Treatment, if needed, may include:
- Natural completion
- Medication to complete passage
- A minor procedure to clear remaining tissue
- Checks for anemia or infection
When Is It Time to Investigate Recurrent Loss?
Evaluation is usually considered after two consecutive miscarriages, especially if losses occur early. If multiple losses occur after 10–12 weeks, or if other risk factors exist, evaluation may be offered earlier. The goal is clarity and compassionate planning for future pregnancies.
What Causes of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Are Investigated?
- Blood tests for immune or clotting issues
- Chromosomal analysis of parents or conception products
- Structural imaging of the uterus (ultrasound, hysteroscopy)
- Hormonal testing (thyroid, insulin resistance)
In many cases, no clear cause is found. Still, supportive care and monitoring remain valuable.
How Can You Heal After Miscarriage?
Physical recovery:
- Rest and gentle movement
- Follow-up care for uterine health
- Attention to shifting hormones
Emotional recovery:
- Allowing grief without shame
- Journaling, therapy, creative expression
- Peer support or groups
- Removing pressure to try again quickly
Healing isn’t linear. Moments of grief may resurface, and that’s okay.
Should You Try Again and When?
Many choose to conceive soon after a miscarriage, as long as they’re healthy and emotionally ready. Waiting longer doesn’t necessarily improve outcomes. Readiness is personal, and both pausing and resuming quickly are valid.
What Can Be Done to Support Better Outcomes?
- Optimize chronic conditions (thyroid, blood sugar, clotting)
- Take prenatal vitamins with folic acid
- Address sleep, stress, nutrition
- Review medications with a provider
These steps support health but cannot guarantee success. Miscarriage is not your fault.
How Long Does It Take to Recover Emotionally?
Recovery varies greatly, from weeks to months or longer. Influences include support network, past experiences, and personal resilience. There is no right timeline. Gentleness and self-awareness matter most.
What Is the Role of Partner Support?
Partners experience miscarriage too, often with grief or helplessness. Honest communication and shared care strengthen healing. Mutual acknowledgment is vital.
What If Miscarriage Changes How You See Yourself?
Bodies may feel untrustworthy after miscarriage. Therapy, reframing, and hearing resilience stories help restore faith in your body’s strength. You are not broken.
What’s the Path Forward After Recurrent Miscarriage?
For many, recurrent loss ends in a healthy pregnancy, with or without intervention. The journey requires compassion and informed choices. Each cycle is part of a larger story of resilience.
Does a Miscarriage Mean Future Pregnancies Will Be Difficult?
Not necessarily. One miscarriage doesn’t predict future outcomes. Many go on to have healthy, full-term pregnancies. Multiple losses may prompt deeper evaluation, but even then, most people can eventually carry a healthy pregnancy.
What Happens to the Body After a Miscarriage?
- Bleeding and cramping for days to two weeks
- Reduction in breast tenderness
- Hormones returning to baseline over weeks
- Regular cycles resuming within 4–6 weeks
If bleeding is heavy, prolonged, or accompanied by fever or pain, seek care immediately. Rest and hydration aid recovery.
Can You Prevent Miscarriage?
Most miscarriages aren’t preventable, especially in the first trimester. But steps that support health include:
- Prenatal vitamins and folic acid
- Managing chronic conditions
- Avoiding smoking, alcohol, drugs
- Maintaining healthy weight
- Limiting environmental exposures
Even with these steps, miscarriage may still occur—it is not your fault.
How Do You Know When You're Emotionally Ready to Try Again?
- Feeling emotionally steady when thinking about pregnancy
- Talking about loss without overwhelming distress
- Having a sense of hope
- Readiness for prenatal care again
Readiness is individual, and all timelines are valid.
What Role Do Hormones Play?
Hormones are key to conception and pregnancy. Imbalances that may contribute to loss include:
- Low progesterone
- Thyroid dysfunction
- PCOS-related imbalances
- Elevated prolactin
Treatment may involve supplementation, thyroid therapy, or lifestyle changes.
What Is a Missed Miscarriage and How Is It Diagnosed?
A missed miscarriage occurs when the embryo has stopped developing but the body hasn’t recognized it yet. Symptoms may be absent. It’s often detected by ultrasound or hCG monitoring.
Management options include:
- Expectant management (natural completion)
- Medical management (medications)
- Surgical management (D&C procedure)
Each choice has pros and cons, and support is essential. Missed miscarriage can feel particularly shocking and emotionally difficult.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website, including blog posts, is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. As a board-certified physician, I aim to share insights based on clinical experience and current medical knowledge. However, this content should not be used as a substitute for individualized medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your own healthcare provider before making any changes to your health, medications, or lifestyle. Westside Women's Health and its affiliates disclaim any liability for loss, injury, or damage resulting from reliance on the information presented here.