Types of Pregnancy Loss
- Miscarriage (marchofdimes.org): A loss of a baby in the womb before 20 weeks. About 10 to 20 in 100 pregnancies (10% to 20%) end in miscarriage.
- Ectopic Pregnancy (mayoclinic.org): A pregnancy that grows outside of the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube which links an ovary to the uterus. Ectopic pregnancy cannot develop normally to term and requires prompt evaluation and treatment with medication or surgery in most cases. Ectopic pregnancies can also be very dangerous to the pregnant person. About 2% of all pregnancies are ectopic.
- Molar Pregnancy (americanpregnancy.org): A molar pregnancy is caused by a problem with the placenta that happens during fertilization. In a molar pregnancy, the placenta doesn't form correctly and can't supply the baby with food and oxygen. Molar pregnancies are rare. About 1 in 1,000 pregnancies (less than 1 percent) are molar pregnancies.
- Stillbirth (clevelandclinic.org): A stillbirth is a loss of a baby in the uterus that happens after 20 weeks of pregnancy. classified Stillbirth affects about 1 in 160 pregnancies each year in the United States.
- Neonatal (marchofdimes.org): The death of a baby in the first 28 days of life. 5.7 in every 1,000 births (less than 1 percent) each year in the United States.
- Elective/Medical/Therapeutic Abortion: Reproductive choices are complex and difficult. There may be medical issues for the fetus or health issues for the pregnant person that may lead to an abortion. The loss of pregnancy is difficult. There are resources to support you.
- Unsuccessful Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Treatment or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): People who use fertility options may have unsuccessful attempts, where an embryo does not implant in the uterus. Even when an embryo implants in the uterus, the person who is pregnant may experience a loss for other reasons.
For more information about each type of pregnancy loss please check out the following resources.
Miscarriage:
- The March of Dimes provides information about a miscarriage, including why miscarriages may happen, what may make someone more likely to have a miscarriage, and what to look for if you may be having a miscarriage.
Molar Pregnancy:
- The March of Dimes provides information about molar pregnancies, including who may be at higher risk for a molar pregnancy, what to look for if you may have a molar pregnancy, and information about how molar pregnancies are treated.
Stillbirth:
- The March of Dimes gives information about what might cause a stillbirth, who may be at higher risk, signs to look out for, and tips on how to care for yourself after a stillbirth.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a list of resources for people to connect and find support.
Neonatal Death:
- The March of Dimes gives information about when a baby dies in its first 28 days of life. They provide an overview of what might cause a neonatal death and how to start processing the loss of a newborn.
Therapeutic/Medical Abortion:
- New York State recognizes the rights that New Yorkers have when seeking abortion care. This website includes information about your abortion and other reproductive health rights, and mental health resources.
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Treatment or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF):
Causes, Risk factors, Signs and Symptoms
The causes of many pregnancy losses are still unknown. Pregnancy loss occurs in families of all races, ethnicities, and income levels, and to birthing people of all ages.
Risk Factors for pregnancy loss may include but are not limited to:
- Problems with the uterus or cervix
- Comorbidities such as diabetes, obesity, autoimmune conditions/thyroid disease
- Infections (i.e. Cytomegalovirus, sexually transmitted infections) or other health conditions
- Being 35 years of age or older
- Smoking, drinking, or the use of street drugs
- Stress
- Preterm labor
- Hormone problems, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (also called PCOS) and luteal phase defect
- problems with placenta
- genetic problems in the fetus
- poor fetal growth
Symptoms of pregnancy loss can vary to the individual but may include:
- Bleeding from the vagina or spotting. Many people experience spotting early in their pregnancy. In most cases, it is not a sign of miscarriage. To be safe, if you have spotting or any of these signs or symptoms, call your provider.
- Cramps, like the ones you have with your period.
- No longer "feeling pregnant," such as no longer feeling the baby move, feeling nauseated or no longer having breast tenderness.
- Back pain, pelvic pain, abdominal pain
- Vaginal discharge with a bad smell
- Filling of breasts, leaking or discharge, heavy and tender breasts.
- Fever
If you believe you are having a miscarriage, call 9-1-1 if it is an emergency or seek medical attention from your health care provider, right away.
