From signs of miscarriage to confirmation of a miscarriage, if you're looking for miscarriage signs you're in the right place. Many of these questions about miscarriage will help you read the signs of miscarriage and whether or not you should report those signs to your doctor. Read the answers to common miscarriage questions and learn about miscarriage signs, symptoms, and their causes.

How often do miscarriages occur?
About 15 to 20 percent of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. Most of them occur in the first 13 weeks, or first trimester.

Does age affect miscarriage rates?
For women in their 20s and early 30s, the chance of miscarriage is about 15 percent. At 35 the chance of miscarrying rises to one in four, and at 40 the miscarriage rate is close to one in three.

What causes miscarriages?
Most early pregnancy losses are due to genetics and cannot be prevented. But losing a pregnancy doesn't mean that anything is wrong with a woman's health or that she can't have more children. Ninety percent of women who have one miscarriage go on to have a healthy pregnancy. Despite the fact that recurrent miscarriages may increase the risk of future pregnancy losses, even women who have had three or more miscarriages in a row may have a good chance of carrying the next pregnancy to term. However, these recurrent miscarriages may be an indication of problems that require medical help.

What are the symptoms of miscarriage?

• Vaginal bleeding that may be preceded by a brownish discharge
• Cramps in the pelvic area
• Tissue or blood clots passing from the vagina
• A decrease in the usual signs of early pregnancy, such as nausea and breast tenderness
• Pain in the lower back or abdomen

What are the warning signs of miscarriage?

• Spotting or bleeding without pain
• Heavy bleeding with severe abdominal pain
• A gush of fluid from your vagina but no pain or bleeding

What will the doctor want to know?
Your doctor will ask you to describe your symptoms. She'll also want to know whether or not you've passed tissue out of your vagina. If you have passed tissue, save it in a sterile container for later examination.

How will my doctor be able to confirm a miscarriage?
Your doctor will give you an internal pelvic examination. This will determine the size of your uterus and reveal whether your cervix is open. An ultrasound will be performed to confirm whether or not your baby still has a heartbeat.

You will also have a blood test to check your hormone levels; decreases in pregnancy hormone levels may indicate that you've miscarried.