A miscarriage is the spontaneous ending of a pregnancy prior to the stage of fetal development at which the fetus is capable of living outside the womb. Miscarriages can only take place within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.MedlinePlus: Pregnancy Loss
Symptoms
- Vaginal bleeding that gets heavier
- Cramps
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Back pain
Risk Factors
Miscarriages can occur for complex and sometimes poorly-understood reasons, but risk factors include the age of the mother, the age of the father, exercising during pregnancy and the consumption of drugs. Miscarriages most commonly occur within the first three months following conception, with risk tapering as the fetus develops.APA: Miscarriage
Emotional Strain
The loss of an expected child can be a traumatic experience for the mother or for the couple, and some expectant parents face serious emotional strain in the wake of a terminated pregnancy.MayoClinic.com: Coping with Pregnancy Loss
Quotes
"Women veterinarians have double the risk of miscarriage, apparently the result of being exposed to anesthetic gases, radiation and pesticides in their line of work, a new study found."HealthDay: Women Veterinarians Face Higher Miscarriage Risk (April 3, 2008)
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for more information on miscarriage.
References
Fast Facts
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Alternate name
Spontaneous abortion
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Fact:
Affects 15% of recognized pregnanciesMarch of Dimes: Miscarriage
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Fact:
May occur in as many as 50% of pregnanciesMarch of Dimes: Miscarriage
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Fact:
Usually a 1 time occurrenceMarch of Dimes: Miscarriage
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Fact:
Loss after 20 weeks called stillbirth MedlinePlus: Pregnancy Loss
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Fact:
Risk increases as a woman ages
