A miscarriage, also known as a spontaneous abortion, is the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week of gestation. It occurs when a pregnancy stops growing and the embryo or fetus is expelled from the womb before it can survive on its own. Miscarriages are fairly common, and many happen before a woman knows she's pregnant. Some factors that may contribute to a miscarriage include: Genetic problems with the fetus Problems with the uterus or cervix Chronic diseases, such as polycystic ovary syndrome Symptoms of a miscarriage include: Cramping or period-like pain and Vaginal bleeding. Some miscarriages are unreported because they occur very early in the pregnancy. To diagnose a miscarriage, a doctor may perform a pelvic exam, ultrasound, blood tests, or tissue tests. After a miscarriage, you might experience spotting and abdominal discomfort. You should start having normal periods again in four to six weeks. You should also avoid having sex or using tampons for at least two weeks.
