When pregnant, you may be hypersensitive to every little twinge or cramp you feel. This is especially true if you’ve had a miscarriage or pregnancy complications in the past. Because symptoms of early miscarriage can vary, it’s important to trust your intuition. Here are some tips to help you determine whether what you’re experiencing is an early miscarriage or period spotting and cramps.
Early miscarriage signs to watch for
A miscarriage occurs when a baby dies in the womb before 20 weeks. Symptoms of early miscarriage vary, but miscarriages most often occur in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. The most common symptoms indicating that you’re having an early miscarriage rather than starting your period are heavier bleeding and cramping.
“From the time that I took the pregnancy test to the time that I miscarried was about nine days,” Nekole Amber explained in her YouTube video. “The night before I miscarried, I noticed that the quantity of blood had started to increase.” Nekole had been spotting a bit in the days leading up to her miscarriage, but this wasn’t unusual for her, as she spotted during a previous pregnancy and went on to have a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
“I went to use the restroom in the morning, and that’s when i knew that I miscarried because I was bleeding pretty profusely,” the mom of two recalled. “My intuition right away said there’s not a chance that I did not just miscarry.”
You may notice more intense back pain as well as small clumps of tissue — or what look like blood clots — in your vaginal discharge. Severe belly pain may also indicate a miscarriage. However, in the absence of unusual symptoms other than heavy bleeding, some women experiencing a miscarriage assume they are simply starting their period.
Miscarriage cramps often include muscle contractions and lower back pain. Patients may notice the passing of fluid and sudden bleeding that is heavier than a period. The breast tenderness and morning sickness associated with early pregnancy tend to dissipate during a miscarriage as well.
What causes early miscarriage?
There are a number of reasons an early miscarriage could occur. Chromosomal factors or health conditions like diabetes, hormone issues, thyroid disease, or lupus could contribute to pregnancy loss. Those who smoke, drink alcohol, or use street drugs have increased chances of having a miscarriage. According to the March of Dimes, between 10% and 15% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage for those who know they’re pregnant. Many early miscarriages, however, go undetected, as they occur before a patient realizes they’re pregnant.
Additional factors that can contribute to early miscarriage include advanced maternal age, uterine abnormalities, an incompetent cervix, hormone irregularities, exposure to hazardous materials, and certain medications. This is why it’s important to seek out prenatal care as soon as you think you may be pregnant to ensure that you have a chance to discuss your medical history with your doctor and address any concerns you may have.
Is it spotting or pregnancy loss?
Implantation bleeding, often known as spotting, is the bleeding that occurs as the fertilized egg is attaching to the uterine lining. Light spotting on your underwear is generally nothing to be too concerned about and is quite common. Spotting generally lasts just a few days.
Early miscarriage blood loss, however, tends to extend beyond a few days and is often a heavier flow. “Be sure to contact your doctor if your bleeding is so heavy and you’re soaking more than one maxi pad for two hours,” advised ob-gyn Dr. Bjorkman in her YouTube video about miscarriage. “Or, if that bleeding is making you dizzy or lightheaded, and the pain is so intense that you just aren’t able to cope at home with over-the-counter medication.”
It can be challenging to determine whether what you’re experiencing is an early miscarriage or period-related because symptoms can be similar. It’s sometimes impossible to tell the difference unless your pregnancy has been confirmed through a home pregnancy test or by a doctor. If you know you’re pregnant and you experience bleeding that is heavier than regular spotting or cramping, assume that you’re not starting your period. This is a good time to consult with your doctor.
Cramping and bleeding in early pregnancy don’t always indicate a miscarriage. However, it’s smart to get it checked out even if you’re not sure you’re pregnant. Seek medical attention immediately if you begin having regular contractions. With quick medical intervention, pre-term labor can often be stopped, allowing you to complete your pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby.
