GUIDE
Miscarriage — the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks — affects 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies. Most occur in the first trimester and are caused by chromosomal abnormalities that cannot be prevented.
If you are reading this because you are worried about a miscarriage or have experienced one, please know that you are not alone. Miscarriage is heartbreakingly common, and the grief that follows is real and valid — regardless of how early the loss occurred.
Be prepared from day one
Miscarriage, also called spontaneous abortion in medical terminology, is the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation. It is the most common complication of early pregnancy, occurring in 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies — and the actual rate is likely higher because many miscarriages happen before a person realizes they are pregnant.
The majority of miscarriages — 80 percent — occur in the first trimester, before 12 weeks. Most first-trimester miscarriages are caused by chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo. These are random errors in cell division that prevent the pregnancy from developing normally. They are not caused by anything the pregnant person did or did not do.
If you are currently experiencing bleeding during pregnancy and are worried, please contact your provider. Bleeding does not always mean miscarriage — about half of people who bleed in early pregnancy go on to have healthy pregnancies.
Having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean a miscarriage is happening. Many people experience bleeding or cramping and go on to have healthy pregnancies. Your provider can evaluate you with an ultrasound and blood work.
Medical terminology can feel cold when you are going through something so painful, but understanding the types can help you have informed conversations with your provider.
A threatened miscarriage means you are experiencing bleeding and possibly cramping, but the cervix is still closed and the pregnancy may continue. About half of threatened miscarriages do not result in pregnancy loss.
An inevitable miscarriage means the cervix has begun to open and the pregnancy will not continue. Bleeding and cramping are typically heavier. A missed miscarriage (also called a silent miscarriage) means the embryo has stopped developing, but the body has not yet recognized the loss. There may be no bleeding or cramping — it is often discovered at a routine ultrasound when no heartbeat is detected.
A complete miscarriage means all pregnancy tissue has passed from the uterus. An incomplete miscarriage means some tissue has passed but some remains. An incomplete miscarriage may require medical intervention to prevent infection and excessive bleeding.
The physical experience of miscarriage depends on how far along the pregnancy was. A very early loss (before 6 weeks) may feel like a heavy, crampy period with clots. A loss at 8 to 12 weeks typically involves heavier bleeding, stronger cramping, and the passage of tissue that may be recognizable.
There are three management approaches. Expectant management means waiting for the miscarriage to complete on its own, which may take days to weeks. Medical management involves taking a medication called misoprostol to help the uterus expel the pregnancy tissue — this usually works within 24 to 48 hours and causes heavy bleeding and cramping. Surgical management (dilation and curettage, or D&C) is a brief procedure performed under anesthesia to remove the tissue.
Your provider will discuss all three options with you. None is medically superior to the others in most cases — the choice often comes down to personal preference, how far along the pregnancy was, and medical factors like bleeding severity. You have the right to choose what feels right for you.
Grief after miscarriage is deeply personal. You may feel sadness, anger, guilt, numbness, relief, or all of these at different times. There is no correct way to grieve and no timeline for healing. Some people need to talk about their loss; others need space. Honor whatever you are feeling without judgment.
You do not have to go through this alone. Tell your partner, a trusted friend, or a family member what happened and what you need — whether that is someone to listen, help with practical tasks, or simply sit with you. If you do not feel comfortable sharing with people in your life, consider an online or in-person support group for pregnancy loss.
A therapist who specializes in pregnancy loss or perinatal grief can provide tools for processing your emotions. Many people find therapy helpful — not because their grief is abnormal, but because pregnancy loss is a uniquely isolating experience that benefits from professional guidance. Your OB can provide referrals.
Your body has been through a physical event. Rest, stay hydrated, eat nourishing foods, and allow yourself to recover. Avoid tampons, intercourse, and strenuous exercise until your provider clears you — typically about two weeks. Bleeding may continue for one to two weeks after a miscarriage, gradually tapering off.
Some people want to try to conceive again as soon as possible. Others need time — months or longer — before they are ready. Both responses are completely normal. When you do feel ready, know that the vast majority of people who miscarry go on to have healthy pregnancies. Our guide on pregnancy after miscarriage has more information.
Your provider is there for you — both for medical care and emotional support. Do not hesitate to call.
These symptoms require immediate medical attention. Do not wait to see if they improve.
When you are ready — and only when you are ready — know that the outlook for future pregnancies after miscarriage is very positive. About 85 percent of people who have had one miscarriage go on to have a successful pregnancy. Even after two miscarriages, the success rate is about 75 percent. After three consecutive losses, your provider may recommend testing for underlying causes such as chromosomal issues, hormonal imbalances, or uterine abnormalities.
Most providers say it is safe to try again after one normal menstrual period, though some recommend waiting two to three cycles to allow for emotional and physical recovery. There is no evidence that waiting longer improves outcomes.
For guidance on navigating a subsequent pregnancy, see our pregnancy after miscarriage guide. You may also find our guides on bleeding during pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, blighted ovum, and high-risk pregnancy helpful as you process your experience and plan next steps.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your pregnancy.
