A first trimester miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy during the first 12 weeks of the gestation period. It’s the most common type of pregnancy loss and most miscarriages occur during this time. While it can be devastating emotionally, it is important to remember that most miscarriages in the first trimester are due to factors outside of a woman’s control.
Knowing the causes, symptoms, treatment options and recovery process will help you to better understand what is going on and when to seek medical care.
What is a first trimester pregnancy loss?
A first-trimester miscarriage is a pregnancy that ends on its own before the 13th week. Many pregnancies end in miscarriage during the first few weeks, even before a woman may realise she is pregnant.
In most cases the body realises that the pregnancy is not developing normally and naturally ends the pregnancy.
What causes a miscarriage in the first trimester?
Chromosomal abnormalities are the most common cause of first trimester miscarriage. These are random genetic changes that happen during fertilisation and stop the embryo developing normally.
Other possible reasons:
- Hormonal imbalance
- Diabetes not under control
- Thyroid disease
- Abnormalities of the uterus Certain infections
- Disorders that cause bleeding
- Older maternal age
- Lifestyle factors like smoking or illicit drug use
Remember that walking, working, moderate exercise or sexual intercourse during a healthy pregnancy are not usually the cause of a miscarriage.
First Trimester Miscarriage Symptoms
Symptoms can differ from woman to woman. Common include signs of:
- Spotting or vaginal bleeding
- Bleeding that is moderate to heavy
- Passing clots or tissue in the blood
- Cramps in the abdomen or pelvis
- Low back pain
- Sudden disappearance of pregnancy symptoms like nausea or breast tenderness
These symptoms may be signs of a first trimester miscarriage, but they do not always mean that you are having a miscarriage. During healthy pregnancies, some women experience light bleeding.
How Is It Identified?
If miscarriage is suspected your health care provider may do:
- Physical examination
- Pelvic examination
- Ultrasound
- Blood test to determine pregnancy hormone (hCG) levels
These tests will help determine if the pregnancy is progressing normally and if treatment is required.
Treatment Options
First trimester miscarriage treatment depends on the type of miscarriage and whether or not all of the pregnancy tissue has passed.
Often used treatment options include:
Expectant Management
Some women choose to wait for the miscarriage to occur. The body can expel the pregnancy tissue without any medical intervention, but this may take days or weeks.
Medicine
Medication may be given to help the uterus expel the remaining pregnancy tissue more quickly.
Surgical Treatment
If there is any tissue remaining in the uterus or if you are bleeding heavily or have an infection, your doctor may recommend a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure to remove the remaining tissue safely.
Your healthcare provider will discuss the most appropriate option based on your individual situation.
Physical Recovery
Most women will physically recover within a few weeks after a first trimester miscarriage During recovery you may experience:
- One to two weeks of bleeding
- Slight cramping
- Tiredness
- Hormonal fluctuations
Most women will have their period again within four to six weeks, but this can vary from person to person.
Emotional Recovery
The physical recovery from a miscarriage often heals faster than the emotional fallout. It’s perfectly normal to feel sad, angry, guilty, anxious or grieving.
Some ways to help you cope include:
- Communicating with your partner or loved ones
- attending a pregnancy loss support group
- Talking to a mental health professional
- Allowing yourself to grieve
There’s no time frame on emotional healing.
Recommended Reading
How To Prevent Miscarriage Naturally
Navigating Jealousy in Open Relationship
Can You Have a Healthy Pregnancy After a Miscarriage?
Yes. Most women who experience a first trimester miscarriage will go on to have healthy pregnancies later. Having one miscarriage generally does not increase the risk of another miscarriage.
If you have two or more miscarriages in a row, your health care provider might recommend more testing to find possible underlying causes.
When to see a doctor
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have:
- Bleeding heavily enough to soak through sanitary pads quickly
- Intense stomach pain
- Fever or shivers
- Offensively smelling vaginal discharge
- Dizziness or fainting that doesn’t go away
These symptoms may indicate complications that need prompt treatment.
Conclusion
A first trimester miscarriage is a type of pregnancy loss that is all too common. In most cases, it is caused by chromosomal abnormalities that cannot be prevented. It can be a physically and emotionally challenging time, but knowing the symptoms, causes, treatment options and how to recover can help you through this time.
If you think you may be having a miscarriage, or if you see any abnormal symptoms while pregnant, get medical help immediately. Many women go on to have healthy pregnancies in the future and recover fully, with the right support, aftercare and time to heal.