Is a Miscarriage Painful?

Miscarriage is a difficult and sometimes painful experience for women. According to the Mayo Clinic, around 10% to 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. This statistic may be higher, as many women have miscarriages early on in their pregnancy before realizing they're even pregnant. 

What is a Miscarriage?

A miscarriage is an unexpected pregnancy loss that happens suddenly. It often happens spontaneously without causative factors. 

Miscarriages happen when a fetus isn’t developing as anticipated and can’t be sustained within the body. Depending on the unique situation, the body may entirely remove the pregnancy itself, or medical attention is needed.

Seeking medical help right away is best to get the clarity and support you need. It’s important to note that miscarriage treatment is not abortion but a medical intervention women must seek due to life-threatening diagnoses.

Is a Miscarriage Painful?

Some miscarriage symptoms may come with pain, but these depend on your unique situation and pain tolerance. Miscarriage is different for every woman. Common miscarriage symptoms include the following: 

• Vaginal bleeding (this may be painful), including light bleeding called spotting

• Pain or cramping in the pelvic area or lower back

• Fluid or tissue passing from the vagina

• Fast heartbeat

If you suspect miscarriage, don’t wait to get immediate medical support from your local medical provider. Sometimes, leftover pregnancy tissue in the uterus after a miscarriage can cause a uterine infection several days later. This is called a septic miscarriage. Symptoms include:

• Fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit more than twice

• Chills

• Pain in the lower stomach area

• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

• Vaginal bleeding

Call your medical provider or your local OB or emergency department if you have these symptoms.

Pregnancy Loss Support

A miscarriage is not an easy road. We offer a safe place for you to discuss your emotions following a pregnancy loss. Know that you are not alone and don’t have to carry your grief in silence. 

Don’t go through the grieving and healing process alone. Contact us to learn how to get support. Hope and healing is possible.