Am I Having a Miscarriage? Signs, Symptoms & What to Expect
Experiencing unexpected bleeding or cramping during pregnancy can be frightening. If you’ve found yourself wondering, Am I having a miscarriage?, you’re not alone.
Miscarriage is a deeply personal and emotional experience, and understanding the signs and symptoms can help you navigate this difficult time.
In this post, I’ll share:
✔️ The most common signs and symptoms of miscarriage
✔️ What to expect if you’re having a miscarriage
✔️ My personal experience with pregnancy loss
✔️ Steps to take if you suspect you’re miscarrying
💜 If you are currently going through this, please know that you are not alone. Your pain is real, your grief is valid, and support is available.
What is a Miscarriage?
A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks. It’s estimated that 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, though the actual number is likely higher since many occur before someone even realizes they are pregnant.
There are different types of miscarriage, including:
• Threatened miscarriage – Some bleeding occurs, but the pregnancy may still continue.
• Complete miscarriage – The pregnancy tissue has fully passed.
• Incomplete miscarriage – Some tissue remains in the uterus, requiring medical intervention.
• Missed miscarriage – The baby has stopped developing, but the body has not yet recognized the loss.
• Recurrent miscarriage – Three or more consecutive pregnancy losses.
Every experience is unique, but there are common symptoms to be aware of.
Signs & Symptoms of a Miscarriage
If you are experiencing any of the following, it could indicate a miscarriage:
1. Bleeding
• Ranges from light spotting to heavy bleeding with clots
• Color may be pink, red, or brown
• Some spotting can be normal in early pregnancy, but heavier bleeding can be a concern
2. Cramping & Pain
• Can feel like mild period cramps or severe contractions
• Pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or lower back
3. Passing Tissue or Clots
• Tissue may appear gray, white, or with a jelly-like consistency
• If you pass tissue, you may be able to take it to a doctor for testing
4. Sudden Loss of Pregnancy Symptoms
• If symptoms like nausea, sore breasts, or fatigue suddenly disappear, it can be a sign
• However, some people experience symptom fluctuations and go on to have a healthy pregnancy
5. No Heartbeat on Ultrasound
• In some cases, a miscarriage is diagnosed when an ultrasound shows no heartbeat
6. Dizziness or Weakness
• Heavy blood loss can cause dizziness, fainting, or extreme fatigue
7. Fever or Chills
• A fever could indicate an infection, especially if tissue remains in the uterus
8. No Physical Symptoms (Missed Miscarriage)
• Some miscarriages have no immediate symptoms and are only discovered during a scan
My Personal Experience with Miscarriage
I have experienced three miscarriages, and each one was completely different.
My first miscarriage happened in 2016 when I was 5 weeks pregnant. One evening, I started cramping and noticed some brown spotting in my underwear. I had read online that this could be implantation bleeding, so I went to bed feeling a mix of concern and cautious optimism.
But by the next morning, the cramping had worsened, and I was bleeding heavily. When I went to the doctor, they examined me and said, “You’re probably having a miscarriage.”
An ultrasound showed nothing in my womb, which made me question whether I had even been pregnant at all. But I had taken a pregnancy test days before—I knew I was pregnant, and I had felt it in my body.
The bleeding lasted for about 5 to 7 days, and physically, it felt like a heavy period. Emotionally, though, it was something so much bigger.
My second miscarriage was in 2019, and I was about 8 weeks pregnant.
This time, I was travelling in Cuba when it happened. After a morning out exploring, I started feeling stomach cramps, and the bleeding began soon after.
I remember sitting on the toilet in my hotel room, hearing clots drop into the water, and realising what was happening. I was bleeding heavily, but I was still trying to enjoy the trip, still being a tourist, even though I was having a miscarriage.
A few days later, we visited a historic site, and I suddenly felt something large pass from my body. I went to the bathroom and saw that part of it was already hanging out of me—I had to pull the rest out.
It was shocking, surreal, and heartbreaking all at once. This miscarriage was different from my first. It wasn’t just bleeding—it was something. I saw it, I felt it, and it made everything feel even more real.
The third miscarriage happened in 2020, during the height of the pandemic.
I went to my first scan at 9 weeks pregnant, and the baby was measuring only 6 weeks with a faint heartbeat. I knew my dates were right—there was no way I was only 6 weeks along. But I still held onto hope.
The doctor scheduled a follow-up scan for two weeks later, and during that time, I still felt pregnant. I was careful with what I ate, I stayed hopeful, and I tried to believe in a miracle. But when I returned at 11.5 weeks, the baby was still measuring 6 weeks, and there was no heartbeat.
It was a missed miscarriage, meaning my body hadn’t recognised the loss. The next day, I started cramping and passed a huge amount of tissue—it was nothing like my previous miscarriages. I passed what I can only describe as a burger-sized piece of tissue into my pad, and later, a clot the size of a golf ball. I was in shock. No one had ever told me how physically intense a miscarriage could be.
What To Do If You Think You’re Having a Miscarriage
If you’re worried that you might be having a miscarriage, here are some steps to take:
1. Call Your Doctor or Midwife
• If you’re experiencing bleeding, pain, or other symptoms, reach out to a medical professional.
• They may recommend an ultrasound or blood tests to check your pregnancy hormone levels.
2. Track Your Symptoms
• Take note of the amount of bleeding, clot size, and pain level.
• If you pass tissue, you may be able to bring it in for testing.
3. Take Care of Yourself Physically
• Rest as much as possible.
• Stay hydrated and nourish your body with gentle foods.
• Manage pain with doctor-approved medication if needed.
4. Get Emotional Support
• Whether it’s a partner, friend, therapist, or online support group, you don’t have to go through this alone.
5. Know Your Medical Options
• If a miscarriage is confirmed, your doctor may discuss options like:
✔ Waiting for the miscarriage to happen naturally
✔ Taking medication to help your body pass the pregnancy
✔ A procedure called a D&C (dilation and curettage) to remove pregnancy tissue
When to Seek Emergency Help
🚨 Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
• Heavy bleeding – Soaking through a pad every hour for more than two hours
• Severe pain that cannot be managed with medication
• Dizziness or fainting
• Fever or foul-smelling discharge (could indicate infection)
You Are Not Alone
Going through a miscarriage is devastating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. However you’re feeling—scared, numb, angry, heartbroken—it’s okay. You deserve support and compassion.
If you’ve experienced pregnancy loss and feel comfortable sharing, I invite you to share your story. Not only does it help you process your grief, but it also helps others feel less alone.
With love and compassion,
Rosie x