Key Facts To Understand And Cope With A Miscarriage

Miscarriage, although relatively common, is not a topic North American adults openly discuss. As a result, many couples who are starting a family or expecting a child do not understand it or know what to expect if it happens to them. This lack of knowledge can make the challenge of losing a child even more painful. Reducing the stigma associated with miscarriage by increasing awareness of it can make it easier for couples who have experienced a miscarriage. Here are twelve facts about miscarriage everyone should know to make coping with a miscarriage (or supporting someone who has) easier.

What Is A Miscarriage?

Miscarriage is the term used for a pregnancy loss within the first twenty weeks of gestation. The majority of miscarriages occur during the first thirteen weeks of pregnancy. A miscarriage can be an emotionally devastating experience and even come as a surprise if the couple did not know about the pregnancy. Miscarriages are the most common type of pregnancy loss; approximately ten to twenty-five percent of all recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage. Chemical pregnancies account for fifty to seventy-five percent of miscarriages. These occur when a pregnancy is lost shortly after implantation, resulting in bleeding around the time a woman would normally have her period. Thus, many women who experience chemical pregnancies may not even realize they conceived to begin with.