Miscarriages linger in the back of pregnant women’s minds. With every decision, women are concerned about keeping the baby safe and healthy. Unfortunately, some factors are out of your hands. Certain symptoms often occur when a miscarriage happens. Keep an eye out for the signs you’re having a miscarriage and contact your doctor if you experience any of them.
Signs You’re Having a Miscarriage
Sensations
Pregnancy comes with certain pain and discomfort as your baby grows. If you start to feel changes in these sensations, take note of them. For instance, if the normal breast swelling and pain stops, it may be a sign your pregnancy has ended unexpectedly. If you start to feel unusual twinges, stinging or cramping, this may be a sign of unfortunate changes in your system. Contact your doctor immediately.
Physical Changes
You can keep your eye out for physical changes as well. Some women become continuously lightheaded, faint or dizzy. If you start to notice red, pink or large amounts of discharge, you may be seeing fluid or bleeding from your uterus. Although light spotting may occur, especially in the beginning of pregnancy, more than spotting may be a serious sign of a problem. Call your doctor as soon as you see these signs you’re having a miscarriage.
Frequency
Fortunately, a previous miscarriage does not necessarily mean you will have subsequent miscarriages. If your last pregnancy ended with a miscarriage, don’t worry that you might lose this baby as well. Consecutive miscarriages can be a sign of a bigger problem that might need medical attention.
Relax
Although you should do all you can to keep your baby healthy, you shouldn’t worry that everything you do might cause a miscarriage. Miscarriages are often due to chronic problems of your reproductive system, abnormalities of the fetus or other internal problems. For the most part, morning sickness, minor illnesses and exercise won’t cause a miscarriage.
How To Help
There are some things you can do to lessen your chances of a miscarriage. Eating plenty of folic acid can keep you and your body healthy. Avoid drugs, tobacco, alcohol, large amounts of caffeine and other items that could put your fetus at risk. For example, if you consume more than two drinks a day, your chance of miscarriage doubles, the University of Maryland Medical Center says. If you are over the age of 35 or have had a series of miscarriages, talk with your doctor about ways you can minimize your risk for a problem.
