4 early signs of miscarriage and 5 tips to help prevent natural miscarriage

"To have a safe pregnancy, I plan to stay in bed during the first three months, is that okay?"

"Doctor, why have I had two pregnancies, but both ended in miscarriage at the 10th week? I feel so tired!"

There is a custom among the Chinese not to share the pregnancy news until after the first three months. First, they feel uncertain about the pregnancy. Second, they fear that if a miscarriage happens, it will cause worry and sadness among themselves, their families, and friends. Therefore, they choose to wait until the third month of pregnancy to announce the good news.

Indeed, during the early stages of pregnancy, specifically the first three months, the risk of a natural miscarriage is as high as 25%. Whether the pregnancy will be successful depends on many variables. For example, chromosomal disorders, molar pregnancy, a fetus with no heartbeat, abnormal fetal development, deformities, or even ectopic pregnancy, as well as maternal thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, high blood pressure, blood clotting issues, and other unclear causes, all challenge the physical and mental well-being of expectant mothers.

The first three months of pregnancy are the most important phase throughout the entire pregnancy. From the excitement of discovering you're pregnant to the hormonal changes in your body, the pressure on both your physical and mental well-being is immense, as you're unsure whether the pregnancy will be stable. From the moment you get pregnant, everything feels stressful, filled with worries and mood swings. So, how can we ensure the safety of the fetus during the early stages of pregnancy? What can we do to feel more at ease?

4 early signs of miscarriage

Threatened miscarriage is the most common issue during pregnancy. In the first 12 weeks, vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, back pain, lower back pain, and other discomforts can be signs of a potential miscarriage. These are things that all pregnant women fear. It’s important to understand these symptoms so you can take action if something unfortunate happens.

Symptom 1: Vaginal bleeding

One of the biggest fears of pregnant women is seeing blood: vaginal bleeding is one of the signs of miscarriage that mothers should pay attention to. Vaginal bleeding can range from light to heavy, continuous or irregular, and its color may be bright red, pink, or dark brown. If vaginal bleeding occurs during the first three months of pregnancy, it is crucial to see a doctor immediately, especially if the bleeding is accompanied by pain.

Statistics show that when vaginal bleeding occurs in early pregnancy, about half of the pregnant women can continue with the pregnancy, 30% will experience a natural miscarriage, 5% will have an ectopic pregnancy, and a very small percentage may be due to a molar pregnancy, illness, or other factors. If you experience bleeding during pregnancy, and after a gynecological exam it is confirmed that the cervix is closed and the size of the uterus matches the expected gestational age, with treatment and rest, the pregnancy may continue and the baby can still thrive, giving mothers peace of mind.

Symptom 2: Back pain, lower abdominal cramping, or feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen

When a pregnant woman feels abnormal signs such as lower back pain, heaviness in the abdomen, or a feeling of the abdomen dropping, and if the condition persists for more than an hour, she should go to the hospital for an immediate check-up.

Symptom 3: Abdominal pain

Abdominal pain after pregnancy is an unusual occurrence, but just having abdominal pain does not necessarily mean there is a risk of miscarriage; it could also be related to digestive issues or a urinary tract infection. However, if abdominal pain is accompanied by vaginal bleeding, you should be more cautious. Therefore, if you start experiencing persistent pain in the pelvic area, abdomen, or lower back along with vaginal bleeding, you should see a doctor immediately.

Symptom 4: Infection

Infections can be categorized into urinary tract infections and genital infections. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include frequent urination, fever, and pain while urinating. If there is a genital infection, the discharge will have a strong, foul odor, and there may be itching in the genital area.

Mothers who have given birth know that the early stages of pregnancy are the most risky, with a high rate of miscarriage, and the fetus is most unstable at this time. At this stage, it is important not only to pay attention to the expectant mother’s nutrition but also to be cautious to prevent unintended miscarriage. Doctors also advise women with a history of recurrent miscarriages to regularly monitor their body temperature. If the menstrual cycle is delayed and the temperature does not drop, it could indicate pregnancy. At that point, you should take extra care of yourself, avoid heavy physical work, manage stress, and moderate sexual activity.

5 ways to prevent miscarriage: Should you avoid intercourse?

1. If you have experienced a miscarriage, it is advised to wait 6 months before trying to conceive again, allowing time to adjust your body and reduce the likelihood of another miscarriage.

2. Both partners should undergo a general health check before getting pregnant. If there are conditions such as bacterial infection in male sperm or luteal phase insufficiency in females, follow the doctor's advice and complete treatment before trying for a baby.

3. For women with a wide cervical opening, cervical cerclage may be done to tighten the cervix.

4. Avoid viral infections, exposure to harmful chemicals, radiation, loud noises, and high-temperature environments.

5. Do not exhaust your body, avoid strenuous exercise in the early stages of pregnancy, and refrain from intercourse during the later stages of pregnancy.