What is a Miscarriage?
The loss of a baby at any stage in pregnancy can have a profound impact on parents. After weeks of dreaming, imagining and planning, it is not only the loss of a baby — it is also the loss of hopes and dreams for the future. To feel sad, empty and bewildered at this time is completely understandable.
Miscarriage is more common than many people realise. It is estimated that 20–25% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. Miscarriage is the widely used term for early pregnancy loss occurring before the 20th week of pregnancy. The loss of a baby after 20 weeks (or 400 grams) is called a stillbirth.
When discussing miscarriage, a health professional may use the medical term “spontaneous abortion.” Medical staff may also use the term “embryo” to describe a baby until the sixth week of pregnancy. From then on until birth, the term “foetus” is often used. These are clinical terms — they do not diminish the significance of your loss.
Understanding the Causes
A miscarriage, or pregnancy loss, can happen for many different reasons. These may include a weakness in the womb or cervix, chromosomal abnormalities, infections, underlying health conditions such as diabetes, or problems with the placenta. In many cases, there is no clear explanation, and nearly all miscarriages are unexpected and cannot be prevented.
It is very rare for a miscarriage to occur because of something you did or did not do, although many parents may feel this way. For most people, the cause of miscarriage is never identified, even after extensive testing, which can lead to feelings of frustration and helplessness. Know that we are here for you.
If you need support, please reach out to our team via our 24/7 Grief and Loss Support Line on 1300 308 307 or visit our Grief & Loss Support Hub.
Risk Factors
While miscarriage is rarely caused by anything a parent has done, research does suggest that some factors may increase the likelihood of miscarriage. Women may be more likely to experience miscarriage if they:
- Are older
- Smoke
- Drink alcohol in the first trimester
- Consume too much caffeine through coffee, tea or energy drinks
The best thing you can do is follow the advice for a healthy pregnancy. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk:
- No cigarettes
- No alcohol
- Little to no caffeine
- Avoid contact with others who may have an infectious illness
Ask your doctor for further information and guidance specific to your situation.
Threatened Miscarriage
A threatened miscarriage is when your body is showing signs that a miscarriage may occur.
If you experience any bleeding, lower abdominal pain, or cramping, which can range from period-like pain to stronger labour-like contractions, it is important to consult a doctor or clinic as soon as possible.
A threatened miscarriage may result in miscarriage, although if symptoms ease, the pregnancy may continue. When a pregnancy threatens to miscarry, there is often very little the mother, father, or health professionals can do to alter the outcome.
This can be a time of considerable uncertainty and anxiety as parents wait, hoping the symptoms will pass and that their baby is still alive and growing. Feelings of fear, guilt and sadness may be intense. These feelings are a natural response to an incredibly difficult and uncertain time.
Common Medical Causes
There are many possible reasons for early pregnancy loss. Below is an overview of the most recognised medical causes.
Chromosomal Abnormalities
Most chromosomal issues occur by chance and are outside of anyone’s control. They are the most common cause of miscarriage in the first trimester.
Abnormalities with the Embryo or Foetus
Development may stop naturally if the embryo is not forming as expected. This is the body’s way of responding to a pregnancy that was unlikely to continue.
Problems with Implantation
The embryo may not properly attach to the uterine wall, which can prevent the pregnancy from continuing.
Placental Development Issues
The placenta may not form or function correctly, which can affect how the pregnancy is supported.
Anembryonic Pregnancy (previously called blighted ovum)
A fertilised egg implants but does not develop into a baby. A pregnancy sac forms and tests are positive, but miscarriage typically occurs between 7–12 weeks.
Health Conditions and Physical Factors
Chronic or Poorly Controlled Illness
Conditions such as hypothyroidism or diabetes may increase the risk of miscarriage if not well managed. With the right care and monitoring, many people with these conditions go on to have healthy pregnancies.
Cervical Incompetence
The cervix may open too early, usually after 14 weeks, often without pain. This is sometimes called cervical insufficiency.
Uterine Abnormalities
Some women are born with a differently shaped uterus, which can increase the risk of pregnancy loss. This is not something you could have known or prevented.
Abdominal Surgery
In rare cases, surgery before 20 weeks may increase uterine irritability.
Severe Trauma
A major injury to the abdomen may affect the uterus or placenta.
Infection and Immune Factors
Infections and Viruses
Some infections — such as listeria, toxoplasmosis, or cytomegalovirus — can affect a pregnancy. Many of these are rare, and not all infections lead to miscarriage.
Immunological Factors
In some cases, the immune system may not support the pregnancy as expected. Research into this area is ongoing.
Other Pregnancy Complications that may lead to miscarriage
Hydatidiform mole (molar pregnancy)
A rare condition where the placenta develops abnormally and no baby forms. In very rare cases, this can lead to cancer.
Ectopic pregnancy
When a pregnancy develops outside the uterus, it most often occurs in a fallopian tube, which can cause bleeding and severe abdominal pain and requires urgent medical treatment. While it may affect one fallopian tube, many women can still go on to have a healthy pregnancy if there are no other complications.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Some causes of pregnancy loss require urgent medical attention. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical care immediately. Do not wait to see if they pass.
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain
- Dizziness or fainting
Conditions such as ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and contact your healthcare provider or go to your nearest emergency department.
This list is not exhaustive. If you are worried, please seek help.
Talking to Your Doctor
If you have experienced a miscarriage or pregnancy loss, speaking with your doctor can help you understand what may have happened and what support is available to you.
They can also refer you to a specialist if needed, particularly if you have experienced more than one loss.
Getting support
Red Nose supports anyone affected by the loss of a pregnancy, stillbirth, the death of a baby or child. Reach out to us 24/7 on our grief and loss support line 1300 308 307 or visit the support section of our website.
FAQs
Is miscarriage my fault?
It is very rare for a miscarriage to occur because of something you did or did not do. Nearly all miscarriages are unexpected and cannot be prevented. For most people, the cause is never identified, even after extensive testing.
What are the most common causes of miscarriage?
The most common cause of miscarriage is chromosomal abnormality, which occurs by chance and is outside anyone’s control. Other causes can include problems with implantation, placental development, the shape of the uterus, or underlying health conditions such as diabetes or hypothyroidism.
When should I seek medical help after a miscarriage?
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, dizziness or fainting. Some conditions, such as ectopic pregnancy, can be life-threatening and require urgent treatment.
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy is when the pregnancy develops outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube. It cannot continue and requires urgent medical treatment. Many women who have experienced an ectopic pregnancy go on to have healthy pregnancies.
What is a threatened miscarriage?
A threatened miscarriage is when your body is showing signs that a miscarriage may occur, such as bleeding or cramping. It does not always result in miscarriage; if symptoms ease, the pregnancy may continue. It is important to see a doctor or clinic as soon as possible if you experience these symptoms.
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