Miscarriage

A miscarriage is a delivery during early pregnancy when the foetus is not well enough developed to live outside the mother’s uterus.

Symptoms of early miscarriage

Symptoms of an early miscarriage are similar to those of a heavy menstrual period:

• loss of blood through the vagina;
• cramps or pain in the belly.

If you have these symptoms, contact a doctor or gynaecologist. 

Reasons for miscarriage

There can be many reasons for a miscarriage. Most often the foetus has a defect and cannot develop well. It may also be the result of, for example, an infection, a hormone disorder or poor implantation in the uterus. Often it is unclear what causes a miscarriage. Usually a miscarriage has no influence on a future pregnancy.

A miscarriage is not the mother’s fault. Normal physical activities, like walking or cycling, are never the cause of a miscarriage.

Sex during pregnancy is not harmful to the foetus, unless your doctor advises you not to have Sex.

Grief

A pregnant woman and her partner can bond very quickly with the unborn baby. When the foetus dies, this can cause deep sorrow.

Both partners are entitled to their grief. They have to deal with the loss and find a place for it in their lives.