Early Pregnancy Failure
by Elisa Klein, 07.29.05
Most times, early pregnancy failure occurs because there is something wrong with the fetus, such as a severe defect or abnormality.
When I was in high school, I clearly remember the day that I learned one of my classmates was pregnant. And then just a few weeks later, I heard that she miscarried. The rumors started to fly: She threw herself down a flight of stairs. … Her boyfriend didn’t want the baby so he punched her in the stomach. … She was too stressed out. … She stopped eating. …
Many teens are confused about what causes miscarriage, and some try to make themselves miscarry, which is extremely dangerous. Read on to find out what causes miscarriage, how to cope with a miscarriage, and safe options for dealing with an unplanned pregnancy.
The Causes of Miscarriage
A miscarriage, or early pregnancy failure, is the expulsion of a 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.
Most times, early pregnancy failure occurs because there is something wrong with the fetus, such as a severe defect or abnormality. When the fetus is not developing properly, hormone levels in a woman’s body drops, and the pregnancy begins to disconnect and pass from her body.
Some women try to end their pregnancies by
- drinking vinegar, chemicals, or alcohol
- hitting themselves (or being hit) in the stomach
- exercising too hard
- starving themselves
- lifting something heavy
- falling down stairs
It is rare for any of these things to cause early pregnancy failure — but they may cause serious harm to a woman’s body and to the developing fetus. For example, a poor diet can cause developmental problems in a fetus, and lifting something too heavy or falling could create a tear in the placenta, which carries nourishment from the women to her fetus. Falling down stairs or drinking toxic chemicals could also kill a woman.
The Symptoms of Early Pregnancy Failure
Typical signs of early pregnancy failure include
- slight vaginal bleeding or spotting
- severe abdominal pain
- severe cramps
- dull lower-back ache, pressure, or pain
- on-and-off lower abdominal or thigh pain
- a change in vaginal discharge
Although these are common signs, but not all miscarriages are painful, and many women have early pregnancy failure without knowing it.
Coping with Early Pregnancy Failure
Teens who experience early pregnancy failure may feel sad, scared, and anxious, particularly if their pregnancies were planned. They may notice a change in their sleep or appetite. It may seem like their moods change frequently. These are all normal responses, and teens may find that talking to a friend, partner, family member, or trusted adult can help them cope with these feelings.
Some women also seek out support groups so they can talk to other women who’ve experienced early pregnancy failure. To find a support group in your area, call 1-800-230-PLAN to be connected to a Planned Parenthood health center near you.
Dealing with Unplanned Pregnancy
If a woman has had unprotected sex within the last 120 hours and doesn’t want to be pregnant, emergency contraception pills (ECPs) are an option. The sooner they are started, the better. They reduce the risk of pregnancy by 75 to 89 percent if started within 72 hours.
If it’s too late for ECPs, a woman has three options: she can have an abortion, continue the pregnancy and place the child for adoption, or continue the pregnancy and raise the child. For more information on each of these options, check out What If I’m Pregnant?
If you are pregnant and want to talk to a counselor or clinician about these options, call 1-800-230-PLAN to find a Planned Parenthood health center near you.
I think I had a miscarriage but I’m not sure. How long should I wait to take a pregnancy test?
What are the signs of miscarriage?