What Does a Miscarriage Look Like?

Bleeding

For many people, when they think about "what does a miscarriage look like?" the first scene in mind is bleeding. Actually, many women notice when a miscarriage starts to happen they will have bright light or heavy red bleeding. However, bleeding is rather normal during the first weeks of pregnancy, so it needs to be checked by a doctor.

Pain and Cramping

Many women have pain and cramping, when they are experiencing a miscarriage. Cramping is normal during pregnancy, but if it is intense, just happens at one side of the abdomen or involves bleeding, it could be a cause for concern. Pain in the lower back often accompanies dull and throbbing cramps.

Unusual Vaginal Discharge

Sometimes unusual vaginal discharges can be a sign of a miscarriage. If the discharge includes blood clots, fluid, a foul smell or bits of gray matter, it might mean that you are losing the baby. Most professionals recommend that if this is the case, you need see a doctor immediately and try to get some of the discharge for exam.

Contradictory Results from Pregnancy Test

Many women who miscarry often have a positive pregnant test at first followed by a negative pregnancy test. This is due to the hormones going back to normal levels as the fetus is being miscarried. If this happens, immediate medical care is needed.

Decreased Pregnancy Symptoms

When a woman starts to notice that the symptoms of pregnancy are no longer there, it could be a sign that the pregnancy is ending. For example, the woman may experience no more nausea, breast tenderness or vomiting. This is not always the case and it could mean the hormones are back to normal. However, a blood test would be needed in order to determine if the pregnancy is still viable.

Risk Factor of Miscarriages

Stop Blaming Yourself

Due to the nature of a miscarriage, it is hard to pinpoint just why this happens. You should under no circumstances blame yourself for this tragedy, just try to accept the tragedy and let yourself grieve. Keep it in mind that you need to talk with your partner about how this affects you, share each other's sorrow and give each other support.

Take Time to Heal

Do not feel as though you have to be over your grief and live on with your life at a certain point. Things like this need time to heal and at times this grief may come back and hurt again. You should believe that with time you will become better and be happy again.

Understand the Way Your Partner Grieves

Typically, men and women do not grieve in the same way. Men tend to bottle up their feelings and emotions, while women need to talk about them openly. Never just judge from the way your partner grieves and think that he or she doesn't care because everyone grieves differently. It is important to discuss the issues and grieve together in whatever way feels best.

Share Your Feelings with Others

Talk with others, as you will be amazed to find that several of your friends, family and co-workers may have found themselves in your place before. They can be a great help in simply listening to you and offering encouragement. However, be aware that some people may not know what to say and do not feel as though they don't care. This is a subject that many do not know how to handle.

Seek Professional Advice

Ask your doctor about the support groups that may be available in your area. There are several groups focused to providing support to women who have experienced the same thing. Your doctor may suggest a counseling group or a therapist that can help you dealing with what you are going through. All though you have had a miscarriage, this does not mean that you have fertility issues. If you want to start a family and have a baby, be sure to talk with your doctor and find the best timing for later pregnancy.