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Early Pregnancy Loss

An early pregnancy loss is any loss before 20 weeks gestation, but many early losses occur in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Some types of early pregnancy loss include the following:

Miscarriage

  • Some women experience some bleeding and cramping early in the pregnancy, but may go on to continue the pregnancy and deliver at term. This is called a threatened miscarriage.
  • Some women experience bleeding and cramping along with passing some tissue; the cervix is dilated on exam, and this indicates that a miscarriage will probably occur. This is called an inevitable miscarriage.

Sometimes women develop bleeding and cramping and some cervical dilation; in these cases, a miscarriage is likely to happen. This may occur naturally, but if not there are other options your doctor can discuss.

  • In some cases medication can be given to help pass the pregnancy tissue.
  • In other cases, a procedure called a dilation and curettage (D&C) may be necessary to remove tissue from the uterus.
  • A third option is vacuum aspiration, an alternative to D&C.

Sometimes, we discover through ultrasound that the baby no longer has a heartbeat, but there have not yet been any symptoms of a miscarriage, such as bleeding or cramping. In these cases, some women choose to wait at home for the pregnancy to pass naturally; in other cases medication is prescribed or a D&C is needed. Your healthcare provider can help with these decisions.

Blighted Ovum

  • This means a fertilized egg has attached to the uterine wall but there is no embryonic development, so the baby did not grow even though there was a sac and a placenta. This is a common cause of first trimester loss.
  • If a miscarriage does not occur, you may need a D&C or other treatment.

Ectopic or Tubal Pregnancy

  • This occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to a fallopian tube or other place inside your abdomen, instead of attaching to your uterus. This can cause very severe pain in the lower abdomen.

Molar Pregnancy

There are two types:

  • A complete molar pregnancy only has placental growth, but on ultrasound there is no baby seen inside the sac.
  • A partial molar pregnancy happens when 2 sperm fertilize one egg; the embryo does not develop at all, or is incomplete.

Chemical Pregnancy

  • When this occurs, beta hCG levels may rise very early in the pregnancy indicating that conception has occurred, but then drop off, meaning the implantation was not successful. Often this happens before a menstrual cycle is missed.

You can read more about different types of pregnancy loss on the links below:

https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/early-pregnancy-loss

Miscarriage

Ectopic Pregnancy

Molar Pregnancy

Stillbirth

Taking Care of Yourself

These things may help your mind and body recover from pregnancy loss:

  • Ibuprofen can help with physical pain or cramping.
  • Change your pad frequently, and clean your vaginal area gently with water only.
  • Drink plenty of water, and eat small meals, to help with any nausea.
  • Use a heating pad for 10-15 minutes.
  • Rest in a soothing place.
  • Get plenty of sleep; this helps restore the body.
  • Take a warm shower (avoid baths until your healthcare provider says it is okay).
  • Take a walk, or do some yoga. Exercise helps the mind and body heal.
  • Some people find relaxation techniques, such as guided imagery, helpful. Others enjoy massage or essential oils.
  • Talk to a therapist or counselor about how you are feeling.
  • Visit the Resources tab for a list of books, websites, and online support groups.

Talk to your doctor about the following:

  • Your blood type and if you need a medicine called RhoGAM
  • Your options for birth control
  • When you should try to get pregnant again

Ways to Remember Your Baby

Below are some other things you can collect to remember your baby:

  • Labels from your doctors appointments
  • Hospital bracelet
  • Sonogram pictures, if you received one at your visit
  • Pregnancy test results
  • Pictures of yourself when you were pregnant
  • Cards or flowers you received
  • Recognition of Life certificate

You may consider some of these ways to honor your baby’s memory:

  • Plan a memorial service for your baby
  • Write your thoughts and feelings in a journal. You can also write letters or poems to your baby.
  • Make an album or memory box with items that remind you of your baby
  • Make a donation to a local group in memory of your baby, and to help other parents who are experiencing loss.
  • Join a support group
  • Talk to friends and family, or a religious or spiritual leader, about your baby and your feelings.