Dear RIPP89,

A miscarriage, or early pregnancy failure, is the expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus before it has developed enough to survive on its own.

Early pregnancy failure is also called spontaneous abortion. It occurs in 15 to 40 percent of all pregnancies during the first 20 weeks. Early pregnancy failure is more likely at the beginning of pregnancy. The likelihood diminishes as pregnancy goes on.

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.