Chemical Pregnancy

Despite the name, a chemical pregnancy is not a false pregnancy or a false positive on a pregnancy test. In fact, it’s a very early miscarriage. Doctors believe chemical pregnancies are usually caused by chromosomal abnormalities. 

You may be surprised to learn that some women who have a chemical pregnancy never even knew they were pregnant, as the bleeding from the pregnancy loss often occurs around the same time as a woman’s period. That being said, home pregnancy tests are so good now at detecting hCG levels, that many women often find out that they’re pregnant very early. 

Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancies happen when a fertilized egg implants someplace other than in the uterus, such as in one of the fallopian tubes. Sometimes risk factors exist, but other times the cause is unknown. Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy may include severe abdominal cramping and dizziness.

First Trimester Miscarriage

First-trimester miscarriage, sometimes called spontaneous abortion, is very common but also heartbreaking for most moms. It’s normal to have a lot of questions about signs of miscarriage, diagnosis, miscarriage causes, treatment, and risk factors. Be sure to talk to your doctor, so your questions are answered and your worries are addressed.

Second Trimester Miscarriage

Late miscarriages, such as those in the second trimester, can happen for a number of reasons. Some of these causes might be chromosomal abnormalities, cervical insufficiency, congenital birth defects, placental problems, or other factors.

Blighted Ovum

A blighted ovum is a miscarriage in which the baby doesn’t develop, but a gestational sac continues to grow, and you may continue to experience pregnancy symptoms. A blighted ovum can be a missed miscarriage treated with a dilation and curettage, also known as a D&C, or it may end naturally.

Molar Pregnancy

Molar pregnancy is a rare condition that causes pregnancy tissue to overgrow and the fetus doesn’t develop normally. Molar pregnancies never develop normally. The cause is a chromosomal abnormality that occurs at the time of fertilization. This type of pregnancy requires close follow-up with your obstetrician after treatment.

Threatened Miscarriage

A threatened miscarriage is when bleeding, and occasionally abdominal pain, occurs but the pregnancy continues. Vaginal bleeding is relatively common during pregnancy among women who go on to have healthy births.

Inevitable Miscarriage

Inevitable miscarriages can come after a threatened miscarriage or without warning. There is usually a lot more vaginal bleeding and strong lower stomach cramps. During the miscarriage your cervix opens and the developing fetus will come away in the bleeding.

Missed Miscarriage

Sometimes, the baby has died but stayed in the uterus. This is known as a ‘missed miscarriage’. 

If you have a missed miscarriage, you may have a brownish discharge. Some of the symptoms of pregnancy, such as nausea and tiredness, may have faded. You might have noticed nothing unusual. You may be shocked to have a scan and find the baby has died.

If this happens, you should discuss treatment and support options with your doctor.

Complete Miscarriage

A complete miscarriage has taken place when all the pregnancy tissue has left your uterus. Vaginal bleeding may continue for several days. Cramping pain much like labour or strong period pain is common – this is the uterus contracting to empty. 

If you have miscarried at home or somewhere else with no health workers present, you should have a check-up with a doctor or midwife to make sure the miscarriage is complete.

Recurrent Miscarriage

A small number of women have repeated miscarriages. If this is your third or more miscarriage in a row, it’s best to discuss this with your doctor who may be able to investigate the causes, and refer you to a specialist.

Infertility

We know infertility isn’t a loss however we know the grief of not being able to conceive is very real and causes feelings of loss.

Resources After Miscarriage

Our sister organisation Little Baby & Co provide resources for those wanting comfort or needing care packages after the loss of a baby to early miscarriage, including specialist gowns, tiny wrap sets in two sizes, keepsakes & dedicated coffins for home burial(these are available at a greatly subsidized cost of £15). They also offer a keepsake service for those who have suffered the loss of a baby to miscarriage however long ago the loss occurred.
Little Baby & Co ask that you cover the postage & packaging costs and will ask that you provide proof of eligibility before any items are sent out.
Please contact Little Baby & Co via their Facebook page with the following information:

Date of loss
Gestation of baby
If the loss occurred at home or hospital
Brief description of what has happened

You can contact Little Baby & Co HERE