Pregnancy Loss

What is the chance that I will experience a pregnancy loss?

Pregnancy losses are very common; up to one in five pregnancies will end in a loss. Usually, this happens in the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. Most often the reason for this is not known, but it often means the baby was not developing properly. A loss is usually a very sad, difficult experience for someone to go through. However, even if you do experience a pregnancy loss or more than one, your chance of having a healthy pregnancy in the future is still very good.

I’m pregnant and am having vaginal bleeding, am I having a miscarriage?

It’s important for you to take any vaginal bleeding seriously. Contact your health care provider as soon as you notice any bleeding. About one-third of pregnancies have some bleeding before the 20^th week, and about half of these continue without further issues. Signs of a pregnancy loss include vaginal bleeding, the passage of clots and tissue, and cramping or pain in the lower pelvis or back. There is no treatment that can stop a miscarriage, but you should still speak to your health care provider for guidance.

Usually, a loss will happen on its own over the course of several days. However, sometimes a person will need additional medical care, either through medications or a medical procedure called a D&C (dilation and curettage) to help empty the uterus. If you have signs of infection like fever or heavy bleeding, you should see your care provider right away. If you have bleeding during pregnancy and have Rhesus negative blood, you may need an Rh antibody injection to avoid Rh problems in later pregnancy or future pregnancies.

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

A person who experiences two or more pregnancy losses should consult their health care provider to see what potential investigations or treatments might be recommended for them. Sometimes recurrent losses have no known cause, but there can be clinical reasons that have treatment options, or possible lifestyle changes that can help increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy in future.

See our resources here on early pregnancy loss and recurrent pregnancy loss for more information.