Early Miscarriage Symptoms
The early symptoms of miscarriage can be a devastating moment for a woman. Though at least one out of every five pregnancies ends in miscarriage, many before the pregnancy is even detected, it can still be difficult to face when you are excited about the impending child. Knowing the early symptoms of a miscarriage can help you to be aware of any possible problems, rather than being completely surprised by the event.
Early Miscarriage Symptoms
Most miscarriages occur before the tenth week of pregnancy. Some happen so early that a woman may not even be aware that she was pregnant. A period that is heavier and later than normal may actually be a very early pregnancy that ended in miscarriage.
Some of the symptoms of an early miscarriage include bleeding and a feeling of heaviness in the pelvic area. Increased bleeding, especially when accompanied by cramping, are a sign that an early miscarriage is occurring. Passing clots when bleeding is also a sign that women can experience.
If a woman suspects she is having a miscarriage, she is often encouraged to contact her doctor or seek medical attention. An ultrasound can be performed to determine if there is a heartbeat and if the embryo is developing as expected. For most women a miscarriage passes without incident and is not a sign of any physical problems in the woman. However, some may need medical help in completing a miscarriage, or may experience painful cramping that requires medications to ease.
Causes of an Early Miscarriage
There is no one set cause for a miscarriage. Many women feel that they did something that may have caused the miscarriage, however this is rarely true. Often the egg was not developing correctly due to genetic defects in that particular egg. Because many miscarriages occur before a pregnancy is detected, many women may have eggs that will not develop correctly that are passed off shortly after fertilization begins.
Sadness After Early Miscarriage
It is normal for a woman to experience sadness or grief after an early miscarriage. Though the pregnancy may have been very new, it is common for a woman to begin to feel attachment to the developing child. This grief may manifest in several different ways, and is just as valid as the grief felt by women having later miscarriages.
If you feel depressed or alone after an early miscarriage, it can be helpful to seek support from others who have faced miscarriages themselves. There are many support groups that can offer advice and council during and after a miscarriage has taken place. Your doctor or local hospital may have a list of nearby groups that can help.
A miscarriage can be a devastating thing, no matter when it happens. Understanding the early symptoms of a miscarriage can make it easier to detect when one is happening. If you suspect that yo are having the early symptoms of miscarriage, seek medical care as soon as possible. Do not be afraid to admit that your miscarriage is sad, no matter how early it is.