What Does a Miscarriage Look Like?

The physical experience of miscarriage is different for everyone. It can be a traumatic and confusing experience, and it’s essential to be aware of the different potential signs and symptoms. Learning what to expect during a miscarriage can help you better understand the process and know when to seek medical attention.

Common Symptoms

When a pregnancy ends in miscarriage, women can experience different physical symptoms. Common signs can include:

-Vaginal bleeding: Bleeding may range from light spotting to heavy bleeding that can be compared to regular menstrual period.

-Abdominal cramping or pain: Pain or cramps that are similar to those experienced during a menstrual period.

-Clots or tissue passing from the vagina: The tissue may have a grayish or pinkish color, and may contain embryonic or fetal parts.

It is important to note that bleeding, cramping, and passing tissue are not uncommon during a healthy pregnancy as well. Feeling these symptoms does not always mean a miscarriage is occurring.

Other signs of miscarriage can include:

-Loss of pregnancy symptoms: This can include a decrease in pregnancy hormones and thus symptoms like nausea and food aversion may lessen or disappear.

-Fever and chills: These can be signs of infection and should be brought to the attention of a doctor right away.

Treatment

Some miscarriages will resolve on their own, but it’s important to be aware of potential complications. If the miscarriage does not resolve on its own, there are treatments that can help. These can include:

-Medication: Medications can help the body expel the remainder of the pregnancy tissue.

-Surgery: A procedure called a dilation and curettage (D&C) can also help, as it removes the tissue with a suction device.

When to See a Doctor

If you are experiencing any signs of a miscarriage, it is important to seek medical attention right away. An ultrasound, blood test, and physical exam can help confirm a diagnosis and provide follow-up medical care. It’s vital to remember that the physical experience of a miscarriage can vary greatly. Therefore, even if a woman’s symptoms do not line up with those described here, it is still important to seek medical advice if something seems amiss.