Miscarriage: Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Emotional Healing

Miscarriage

INTRODUCTION: WHEN PREGNANCY DOESN’T GO AS PLANNED

Pregnancy is often seen as a joyful journey, filled with baby name lists, nursery planning, and daydreams of tiny fingers and toes. But for many women, this journey takes an unexpected and heartbreaking turn. Miscarriage—a word heavy with loss and uncertainty—is more common than most people realize.

Did you know?

• 10-20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, most occurring in the first trimester.

• Many women blame themselves, but in most cases, miscarriage is beyond anyone’s control.

• Despite its prevalence, miscarriage is often a silent grief, leaving women feeling alone and misunderstood.

  
  

If you or someone you love has experienced a miscarriage, know this: You are not alone, and it’s NOT your fault. In this article, we’ll explore the causes, signs, treatments, and—most importantly—ways to heal emotionally and physically.

WHAT IS A MISCARRIAGE?

A miscarriage (also called pregnancy loss) occurs when a pregnancy ends on its own before the 20th week. It happens for many reasons, but the most common cause is chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo—meaning the pregnancy was never going to develop normally.

Miscarriage can happen suddenly or gradually, with different signs and symptoms. Recognizing these signs early can help you seek medical support.

SYMPTOMS OF MISCARRIAGE

Common signs of a miscarriage include:

• Vaginal bleeding (light spotting to heavy clots)

• Severe cramping (stronger than period cramps)

• Lower back pain or abdominal pain

• Passing tissue or clots from the vagina

• Loss of pregnancy symptoms (such as nausea or breast tenderness)

  
  

BUT WAIT!

Not all bleeding in early pregnancy means miscarriage. Implantation bleeding, cervical irritation, or even a subchorionic hematoma can cause bleeding without pregnancy loss. Always check with your doctor if you’re concerned.

TYPES OF MISCARRIAGES

Miscarriages aren’t one-size-fits-all. They can happen in different ways:

1. Chemical Pregnancy

What it is:  A very early miscarriage, often before a woman even knows she’s pregnant.

• A positive pregnancy test, but the embryo never implants properly.

• Sometimes mistaken for a late period.

• No need for medical treatment, but emotionally difficult.

  
  

2. Missed Miscarriage (Silent Miscarriage)

What it is:  The pregnancy stops developing, but the body doesn’t recognize the loss.

• No symptoms—no bleeding or cramping.

• Often discovered during an ultrasound when no heartbeat is found.

• May require medication or a D&C procedure to remove pregnancy tissue.
  

3. Inevitable or Incomplete Miscarriage

What it is:  The pregnancy is ending, but some tissue may still remain in the uterus.

• Heavy bleeding & intense cramps.

• May need medical help to pass all the tissue.
  

4. Recurrent Miscarriages (Multiple Pregnancy Losses)

What it is:  Having two or more consecutive miscarriages.

• May indicate underlying health issues (hormonal, autoimmune, or uterine abnormalities).

• Doctors may suggest genetic testing or hormone therapy.
  

WHAT CAUSES MISCARRIAGES?

Miscarriages happen for many reasons, but most are not preventable. Here are the most common causes:

1. Genetic Abnormalities (50% of Miscarriages)

Why it happens:  The embryo has an extra or missing chromosome, leading to developmental failure.

• The most common cause in the first trimester. 

• Not inherited - just a random chance. 

• Nothing the mother did caused it.
  

2. Hormonal Imbalances

Low progesterone levels can prevent a pregnancy from sticking properly.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) increases the risk. 

Hormonal treatments (like progesterone supplements) may help.

3. Uterine or Cervical Issues

The uterus is the baby’s home—if it has structural problems, pregnancy may not develop properly.

• Fibroids (non-cancerous growths)

• Scar tissue from surgeries

• Cervical insufficiency (opens too early)
  

4. Infections & Illnesses

Certain infections or diseases can lead to pregnancy loss.

• Untreated STDs

• Uncontrolled diabetes or thyroid disorders

• Lupus or autoimmune diseases
  

5. Lifestyle Factors

Smoking, excessive alcohol, and drug use increase the risk, but most women who miscarry do nothing wrong.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A MISCARRIAGE?

Your body needs time to heal—both physically and emotionally. Here’s what to expect:

1. Medical Treatment Options

Depending on the type of miscarriage, your doctor may recommend:

• “Watch & Wait” (letting the body pass the tissue naturally)

• Medication (Misoprostol) to help pass the pregnancy

• D&C (Dilation & Curettage)—a minor procedure to remove tissue
  

2. Physical Recovery

• Bleeding may last a few days to two weeks.

• Your period should return in 4-6 weeks.

• It’s safe to try for another pregnancy as soon as you feel ready—but some doctors recommend waiting one full cycle.
  

EMOTIONAL HEALING AFTER MISCARRIAGE

Losing a pregnancy is devastating, no matter how early it happens. Many women feel:

Grief & sadness—mourning a baby they never got to meet. Guilt & self-blame—even though it wasn’t their fault. Anxiety & fear—worried it will happen again.

How to Cope:

• Give yourself time—Grief isn’t on a schedule. You did nothing wrong.

• Talk about it—Support groups or therapy can help.

• Honor your loss—Write a letter, plant a tree, or find your own way to remember.

• Lean on loved ones—You don’t have to go through this alone.

REMEMBER: 

Miscarriage doesn’t define you. You are still strong, still worthy, and still capable of carrying a healthy pregnancy in the future.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR AFTER MISCARRIAGE

Call a doctor if you experience:

• Severe pain that doesn’t improve

• Heavy bleeding (soaking a pad for an hour)

• Fever or chills (signs of infection)
  

Doctors can also run tests if you’ve had multiple miscarriages to look for underlying causes.

FINAL THOUGHTS: HOPE AFTER LOSS

A miscarriage is a profound loss, but it does not mean the end of your motherhood journey. 85% of women who miscarry go on to have healthy pregnancies. If you’re struggling, please reach out—to a doctor, a loved one, or a support group.

You are not alone. You are strong. And you are still full of hope.

Book an appointment with Dr. Kameelah Phillips today at Calla Women's Health, the leading female menopause specialist in NYC!​

Dr. Kameelah Phillips is affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan, New York, As a NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner (NCMP), she focuses on patient care throughout all life stages, specializing in menopause and midlife healthcare.