- Miscarriages are rarely discussed but occur more commonly than you would suspect.
- Miscarriages happen before 20 weeks of pregnancy, and most women miscarry before they even know they're pregnant.
- Some symptoms of miscarriages can replicate that of a heavy period.
- Not every woman will have symptoms during a miscarriage.
Miscarriages, though not often discussed, are more common than most realize.
According to the March of Dimes website, 10 to 15% of known pregnancies result in a miscarriage, and about 1% of women have repeat miscarriages.
Karin Ajmani, president of healthcare services at Progyny, is a part of the 1% of women who have experienced repeat miscarriages and says that it is one of the worst things to go through.
"After my miscarriages, all I wanted to do was curl up in a ball and isolate myself. Everything was all of a sudden gone," she said. "After suffering so many, it came to a point where I would wait until my second sonogram at eight weeks to get excited and hopeful about the pregnancy. I had to play this game with myself and find the silver lining. It was the only thing I could do for myself and my only solace."
Although Ajmani was able to notice the signs of a miscarriage after her initial encounter, Dr. Alan Copperman, medical director at Progyny, told INSIDER that miscarriages can happen without a woman knowing it.
"A miscarriage is a spontaneous loss of pregnancy and is sadly very common," he said. "Miscarriage can occur suddenly or over the span of a few weeks. Some women do not experience any symptoms of a miscarriage at all."
Since there is a chance that you could experience some of the symptoms, here are six things that you should keep an eye out for.
SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about ectopic pregnancies — a rare type of pregnancy that can be fatal
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You'll experience spotting or vaginal bleeding.
According to Dr. Copperman, one of the main things that women who are going through a miscarriage will experience is vaginal bleeding.
"Spotting is uncommon in early pregnancy and during the first trimester," he told INSIDER. "Moderate to heavy bleeding similar to your period that is bright red in color, however, may be a sign of miscarriage."
Be sure to consult your OBGYN if this occurs.
You'll experience abdominal cramping.
Since pregnancy prevents women from having a period, abdominal cramps that replicate menstrual cramps could be a sign that you are having a miscarriage.
"Patients suffering a miscarriage may experience significant cramping that may feel similar to menstrual cramps. At times, the pain may be more severe or sharp," Copperman said.
"While cramping may be normal and may simply represent stretching of the pregnant uterus, if persistent, should probably be evaluated by a professional," he continued. "In the presence of bleeding, cramping or abdominal pains may represent efforts of the uterus to stop the bleeding and may not necessarily be a sign of miscarriage."
This pain is commonly compared to having the "worst period of your life" and should raise suspicion during your pregnancy.
Back pain can also be a sign.
Although women endure back pain on the regular during pregnancy, Copperman told INSIDER that this could also be an indicator of a miscarriage.
"Abdominal cramping in patients experiencing a miscarriage can also be perceived as lower back pain," he said. "That being said, many pregnant women report lower back pain, and it does not necessarily represent a problem with the pregnancy."
If you're concerned about the back pain you are experiencing, play it safe and contact your health care provider.
See the rest of the story at INSIDER
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