WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Different Types of Miscarriage

Pregnancy
Pregnancy follow-up
Understanding Different Types of Miscarriages
Experiencing a miscarriage or pregnancy loss can be emotionally challenging.
There are various types of miscarriages, each with its own characteristics and implications.
Here's an overview of the different types of miscarriages and pregnancy losses:
Types of Miscarriage Based on Likelihood of Pregnancy Continuing
  • Threatened Miscarriage: This occurs when a woman experiences symptoms indicating a potential pregnancy loss. Vaginal bleeding, sometimes accompanied by cramping, is a common sign. Bleeding can range from light spotting to more significant flow. Some women may also experience implantation bleeding, which is different from threatened miscarriage.
  • Inevitable Miscarriage: Following a threatened miscarriage, an inevitable miscarriage occurs when there's no chance of the pregnancy continuing. Bleeding intensifies, the cervix opens, and products of conception, including blood and clots, may be expelled.
  • Complete Miscarriage: In this scenario, all pregnancy products have been expelled from the uterus. Both the pregnancy sac and placental tissue have been passed. Bleeding can be heavy, accompanied by cramping as the uterus contracts to expel remaining tissue.
  • Incomplete Miscarriage: Not all pregnancy tissue is expelled, and some products remain in the uterus. Strong cramping can persist for hours or days as the uterus contracts to remove pregnancy products. A dilation and curettage (D & C) procedure might be required to prevent infection and remove remaining tissue.
  • Missed Miscarriage: In a missed miscarriage, the baby has stopped developing and has died, but pregnancy symptoms might still be present. Blood loss tends to appear as old brown blood instead of bright red. Diagnosis is often confirmed through ultrasound.
Other Types of Pregnancy Loss
  • Ectopic Pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the embryo implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. This leads to pain and bleeding, and the pregnancy is nonviable.
  • Molar Pregnancy: In this abnormal pregnancy, embryo cells do not develop as they should. Instead of forming a placenta, abnormal cell growth occurs. A D & C procedure is usually performed to remove the abnormal cells.
  • Blighted Ovum: Also known as an anembryonic pregnancy, a blighted ovum occurs when a pregnancy sac forms, but there is no embryo inside. A D & C is often needed to remove the products of conception.
Recurrent or Repeated Miscarriage
Recurrent Miscarriage: Some women experience repeated miscarriages. Seeking specialist support is recommended after three or more miscarriages. Factors contributing to recurrent miscarriage can vary, including genetic and hormonal factors.
Stillbirths
Stillbirth: A stillbirth refers to the loss of a baby during pregnancy, labor, or birth. It is defined as occurring at any point from 20 weeks of pregnancy up to the day of birth. A baby weighing more than 400 grams is considered a stillbirth.
Each type of miscarriage and pregnancy loss presents its own challenges and emotional responses. It's important to consult a healthcare provider for guidance and support, both physically and emotionally, during such difficult times.
Your healthcare provider can provide resources, answer questions, and offer assistance tailored to your specific situation.
Keep learning
Understand Miscarriage: Our Guide
1 min read
S
Shawnee
18 May 2023

Hello beautiful moms … I’m am going through miscarriage right now and this pain sometimes is no joke any recommendations on how to ease it ? My doctor said it’s unknown as to why these types of miscarriages happen and if my hcg levels come back at the same levels they were a couple weeks ago I’ll be doing a D&C .

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
4 comments
M
Mia
Pain meds ibuprofen
27 Mar 2024

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A
Aleksa
I’m going through one too, I was 9 weeks and I haven’t started bleeding yet, sorry I don’t have advice I just feel for you. This is hard and I’m so hurt. I’m prayers are with you ❤️❤️
27 Mar 2024

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M
Mimi
2 Sep 2022

Literally just experienced a miscarriage 5 weeks, my body is in the process of cleansing itself. All I could do is lay here and rest but I wish things were different.

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
8 comments
B
Brooke
I am so sorry for your loss.
27 Mar 2024

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Andrea
I’m so sorry for ur loss 😭
27 Mar 2024

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