When the fetus stops growing and dies before 20 weeks of pregnancy, it is called a miscarriage. Miscarriage can also happen before you find out that you are pregnant. Do not think that if you are healthy and fit you cannot have a miscarriage. It can happen to anyone. There are many reasons why miscarriage can happen. One of the most common reasons is that the fetus is not developing properly.

Symptoms of miscarriage

Vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of miscarriage. You might also experience blood clots. The bleeding can be both, light and heavy. 

Other symptoms can include cramps in your lower belly.

Though miscarriage cannot be helped once begun, you need medical attention. Thus, immediately call your doctor or midwife if you see any sign of miscarriage.

When an ultrasound cannot detect the baby's heartbeat, it is confirmed a miscarriage.

Causes of miscarriage

It's not easy to state the exact cause of miscarriage. It can happen due to many reasons. One of the most common causes of a miscarriage is abnormal chromosomes which stop the embryo and fetus from developing properly.

Drugs, smoking, high caffeine and alcohol consumption can be risky for miscarriages.

There are times when some people experience multiple miscarriages. If that is the case, you should see a doctor.

Stillbirths

When a baby is born yet shows no signs of life during any time after 20 weeks gestation or with a birth weight of 400 grams or more, it is called a stillbirth. Though many pregnancies are confirmed by 18 weeks, if it is unclear how far along the pregnancy is, the doctors will declare it a stillbirth if the baby weighs more than 400 grams.

There are many reasons a baby can be stillborn, yet some stillbirths have no reason which is known to us.

When a baby is dead before birth during mid-late pregnancy, it is known as intrauterine death. When a baby is dead during labour, it is known as intrapartum death. But in both situations, the baby will still be stillborn.

Knowing about the stillbirth

Sometimes when a baby is dead in mid to late pregnancy, your midwife or the obstetrician will declare that it has already happened. If that happens, they will surely elaborate on what and why this happened. They will also have a discussion with you about your baby's birth. You will also be needed to go through the labour and birth so that your baby can be born.