Miscarriage

A pregnancy that is lost before twenty (20) weeks gestation is considered a miscarriage. Miscarriages are common, happening in about 1 in 4 recognized pregnancies. The number may be higher, as some miscarriages happen before you may even know that you are pregnant. The risk of miscarriage goes down after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Miscarriage can happen for a variety of reasons, and there is no way to prevent it from happening. Most early pregnancy losses are due to genetic errors that happen by chance, which affect the development of the baby, and are not likely to happen again. Many individuals who have a pregnancy loss do go on to have healthy babies in the future. We encourage you to speak to your health care provider if you have experienced three or more pregnancy losses.

The feelings experienced after a miscarriage can be overwhelming, and you can consider reaching out to Pregnancy and Infant Loss Network (PAIL) or your health care provider for local resources and support.

The information provided in the links below cover the causes, signs of miscarriage, medical care provided after a miscarriage and more. 

Health information on this site is intended as general information only. OMama and its affiliate BORN Ontario does not and will not provide healthcare advice. The information on this website should not replace the advice of your healthcare professional, nor is it intended to provide medical advice.

• Pregnancy and Infant Loss Network - Provincial organization providing peer support, events and resources related to perinatal loss
• Pregnancy and Infant Loss Network – Resources on miscarriage, pregnancy after loss, and more 
• Mount Sinai Hospital - Information on miscarriage and Mount Sinai's Early Pregnancy Clinic
• The MotHERS Program - Information about miscarriage including advice on how to cope
• Mayo Clinic - When is the best time for pregnancy after a miscarriage?
• Pregnancy Info – Miscarriage
• BC Women's Hospital + Health Centre - Miscarriage
• Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health (PCMCH) – Early pregnancy loss in the Emergency Department
• Psychology Today – Tool for finding a therapist
• Sunnybrook Pregnancy and infant loss network - Early Pregnancy Complications and Loss
• PregnancyED.com