Miscarriage: what you need to know.

When a doctor tells you your pregnancy has ended—or will inevitably end—in miscarriage, it’s normal to walk away with unanswered questions. Many women turn to the internet seeking information that is both clear and compassionate, not overly clinical, and informed by credible sources.

Each woman experiencing a miscarriage will experience something unique. The symptoms you are experiencing, the duration and severity of symptoms, and the time it takes for all of this to end will be unique to you. As will be the decisions you make next.

How common is miscarriage?

Miscarriage is the most common complication of pregnancy. While exact figures are unknown (Australia does not collect data about miscarriage), it is believed that 20% of known pregnancies will end before the 14th week of gestation.

1 in 80 pregnancies will be ectopic.

Why does miscarriage occur?

Embryonic development is a complex process that needs each step to be done perfectly to ensure that a pregnancy will continue developing.

Most miscarriages occur for one of two reasons.

Foetal factors: the embryo did not develop as expected due to genetic or developmental issues.

Maternal factors: underlying health conditions, structural issues, or other influences that can contribute to pregnancy loss.

Most women are never given the opportunity to find the answer to this question. Sometimes, because of the circumstances of the miscarriage, there is no pregnancy tissue available to examine. But most often, it is through clinicians and providers' apathy and knowledge gaps.

It is important to know that when circumstances allow it, ask for histopathological testing of your pregnancy tissue and a comprehensive medical investigation is okay – yes, even after just one miscarriage!

How is miscarriage diagnosed?

Diagnosis is confirmed through:

Ultrasound: to examine certain physical features of a pregnancy-  the gestational sac, yolk sac, foetal pole, and heart activity, and comparing these findings against established criteria to determine if a pregnancy is viable or if miscarriage is likely.

Blood tests: to monitor pregnancy hormone levels called Beta HcG and confirm if they are at expected levels or too low/dropping.

How is miscarriage treated?

There are three main management options:

Expectant (self-management without medication)

Letting the miscarriage progress with minimal medical intervention.

Involves monitoring with blood tests and ultrasound.

Can take up to three weeks.

Medical management (self-managed with medication)

Involves taking two different medications at separate times.

Helps the uterus pass the pregnancy tissue.

Surgical management (uterine aspiration)

A surgical procedure performed under general anaesthesia.

The pregnancy tissue is gently removed from the uterus.

The best option depends on your health, personal circumstances, and preferences.

What does this mean for future pregnancies?

Most women who experience one miscarriage will go on to have a healthy pregnancy carried to term. Even after more than one miscarriage, many women have successful pregnancies.

What now?

There are many books, blogs, and YouTube videos. So many women find comfort and connection in the stories of other women written and created by women who have also experienced a miscarriage.

Many women also find that, for the moment, online support spaces are a great help. Social media is a great place to start.

Others need more individualised, ongoing support and care. Your GP is a great resource to begin with. Don’t forget you can reach out the me. Just click here.

And finally, I have created my Informed and empowered and Reflective journal. Two unique resources specifically for women like you.