Dear eagle5,

Some typical symptoms of miscarriages include slight vaginal bleeding or spotting, severe abdominal pain, and severe cramps. However, not all miscarriages are painful, and some women miscarry and mistake the miscarriage for a heavy period or are not aware of the miscarriage at all.

Miscarriages are fairly common — they occur in 15 percent to 20 percent of all pregnancies. Most miscarriages happen during the first trimester (first 12 weeks) of pregnancy. If a woman is concerned she had a miscarriage, she may want to speak with her clinician or make an appointment at a Planned Parenthood health center by calling 1-800-230-PLAN.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.