A pregnancy journey can be filled with many ups and downs. Expecting moms are often very in tune with their bodies. But it's often hard to know which signs may indicate a miscarriage.
Our experts answer common questions about miscarriage.

How common are miscarriages?

About 10-20% of known pregnancies will end in miscarriage. However, researchers estimate the overall rate is much higher. That's because some women may not know they're even pregnant when a miscarriage occurs.

What's considered an early miscarriage?

Early miscarriage is loss of pregnancy in the first trimester (through the end of the 14th week). However, most early miscarriages happen before 10 weeks.

Find out more about early miscarriage

What week do most miscarriages happen?

More than 80% of miscarriages happen during the first trimester or by the end of the 14th week.

How common are miscarriages in the second trimester?

Only about 2-3% of pregnancies are lost in the second trimester. The second trimester is from about week 15 through the end of week 28. Once you reach about 20 weeks gestation, less than 0.5% of pregnancies result in a loss.

Learn more about second trimester miscarriage

What are the symptoms of miscarriage?

Signs of early miscarriage include:

  • Bleeding equal to or heavier than a period
  • Increased belly pain or cramping
  • Pregnancy symptoms tend to go away, such as breast tenderness and nausea

Signs of a second trimester loss include:

  • Bleeding equal to or heavier than a period
  • Increased belly pain or cramping
  • Loss of fetal movement (most women can feel the developing baby moving by the 20th week)

If you have very heavy bleeding (soaking at least two pads in an hour) or are feeling very sick, go to an emergency department. Otherwise, call your health care provider's office as soon as possible to be seen right away.

It's important to note that most women less than 20 weeks pregnant do not notice any symptoms of pregnancy loss.

See how our compassionate team can help you through pregnancy loss and grief

Is there a noticeable difference between miscarriage cramps and pregnancy cramps?

Miscarriage and pregnancy cramps can feel similar overall. However, miscarriage cramping can be much more painful than typical menstrual cramps. This is especially true for women who don't have much cramping during their periods.

Painful cramps with a miscarriage can be helped with pain medications, heat, or a hot bath/shower.

What should you do if you believe you've had a miscarriage?

If you have symptoms of a miscarriage, contact your health care provider right away. They will typically want to evaluate you and talk about your symptoms.

Depending on how far along in the pregnancy, you may be asked to come in for an ultrasound to look at the uterus. This will help determine if the pregnancy is normal or if you are having a miscarriage. Some providers will want to conduct a pregnancy hormone count test before or after the ultrasound.

Even if you think you passed the pregnancy and are feeling better, you should still talk to your provider. Infrequently, patients with an ectopic pregnancy can have many of the same symptoms as miscarriage. This can be life-threatening if not diagnosed early.

Explore prenatal testing and screenings

What causes an early miscarriage?

There is not usually a cause for a miscarriage.

Some health conditions and lifestyle choices can increase the chances of an early miscarriage, including:

  • Heavy smoking
  • Use of illicit drugs, especially cocaine or crystal methamphetamines
  • Diabetes that is not well controlled
  • Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism (when the thyroid gland produces too much or not enough thyroid hormone)
  • Physical problems with the uterus, including fibroids or abnormal uterus development

Can exercise cause a miscarriage?

No. Working, exercise and sexual activity do not increase the risk of miscarriage.

How long after a miscarriage can you try to get pregnant again?

Couples can have sex whenever they feel ready. In fact, health care experts recommend that they try immediately after a miscarriage. It's important that the woman starts a prenatal or multi-vitamin before trying to get pregnant.

In addition, women who've had a miscarriage should take a baby aspirin daily while trying to get pregnant. This may reduce the chances of another miscarriage.

For a second trimester loss, there is no good research available to show when you can try to get pregnant again. It may take a month or two of testing to help figure out why you had a second trimester loss. It takes time for your uterus and body to return to normal. UC Davis Health specialists recommend waiting at least three months before trying to get pregnant after a second trimester loss.

Talk to your health care provider about the timing if you're ready to get pregnant.

See how our Early Pregnancy and Miscarriage Center can care for you

If you've had one early miscarriage, are you more likely to have another?

No. Having one early miscarriage doesn't increase your chances of having another. Your chances of a miscarriage on a following pregnancy remains the same as the general population.

This blog was medically reviewed by Mitchell Creinin, M.D. He's the director of the complex family planning fellowship in UC Davis Health's Department of OB-GYN.