Types of Miscarriage

Overview

Miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks gestation. There are different ways miscarriage can occur. The types of miscarriage include:

• Complete miscarriage: In this type, all pregnancy tissues have been expelled from the body. It means that the body has passed all the tissues related to the pregnancy.
• Incomplete miscarriage: This type occurs when some tissue or placental material has been passed, but some still remains in the body. It means that not all of the pregnancy tissues have been expelled.
• Missed miscarriage: In a missed miscarriage, the embryo dies without the person's knowledge, and they don't deliver it. This means that the pregnancy has ended, but the person may not have any symptoms or be aware of it until they go for a medical appointment or ultrasound exam.
• Threatened miscarriage: When bleeding and cramps point to a possible upcoming miscarriage, it’s called a threatened miscarriage. In this type, there is still a viable pregnancy present, and with observation and medical intervention, it may be possible to continue the pregnancy.
• Inevitable miscarriage: An inevitable miscarriage is indicated by bleeding, cramping, and cervical dilation, which means that a miscarriage is inevitable and already in progress.
• Septic miscarriage: This type occurs when an infection has occurred within the uterus (womb). It’s important to note that septic miscarriage is rare but can be a serious condition.

Common causes of miscarriages include:

• Placental problems: If the placenta develops abnormally, it can block the blood supply from the mother to the baby, leading to a miscarriage.
• Chromosome problems: Chromosomes are structures with genetic information. Sometimes, a fetus (unborn baby) can receive an abnormal number of chromosomes, which can cause abnormal development and increase the risk of miscarriage. Chromosome abnormalities are often associated with first-trimester miscarriages.
• Womb structure abnormalities: Abnormally shaped wombs or the presence of fibroids (non-cancerous growths) in the womb can put a developing fetus at risk for a miscarriage.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a condition where the ovaries are larger than normal and can cause hormonal imbalances. Women with PCOS have an increased risk of experiencing spontaneous pregnancy loss.
• Weakened cervix: The cervix is the neck of the womb, and when its muscles are weak, they may open up too early during pregnancy, leading to a higher risk of miscarriage.
• Lifestyle factors: Habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or using illegal drugs can increase the risk of miscarriage.
• Underlying health conditions: Certain pre-existing health conditions can also increase the risk of miscarriage.

It's important to remember that these descriptions and causes are general information and may not apply to every individual case. If you have any concerns or experience symptoms related to pregnancy loss, it's always best to consult with your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and guidance tailored to your specific situation.