by Chris Dixon

Created on: July 25, 2008   Last Updated: October 30, 2010

How does the happiest time of your life suddenly become the most traumatic? One word. Miscarriage.

Unfortunately, almost one in five pregnancies will end in miscarriage. This is a sobering statistic, but it does not mean that you will have one, even if this happens to be your fifth pregnancy. According to statistics miscarriages are also most likely to occur in the first trimester, or before the thirteenth week of pregnancy. However, even if you are bleeding this does not mean that you are having a miscarriage. I experienced bleeding in the first trimester of all my pregnancies, including the ones I carried full term.

The signs of a miscarriage can be very confusing as some of them can actually mimic the signs of pregnancy. Please do not self diagnose. Call your doctor right away if you are experiencing any signs of a possible miscarriage.

Signs of a Possible Miscarriage Include
Pelvic Cramping or Abdominal Pain
Brownish or Red Vaginal Discharge and/or Bleeding
Blood Clots or any colored Tissue being passed vaginally
Lower Back Pain
A decrease in pregnancy symptoms

The best thing you can do for yourself and your baby if you think you might be having a miscarriage is to remain as calm as possible. Please try not to panic and raise your blood pressure. If you are currently experiencing any bleeding immediately lie down or sit with your legs elevated while trying your best to calmly assess the situation. If you are experiencing vaginal bleeding or any other of the other signs of miscarriage, especially bleeding with abdominal pain please call your obstetrician or other healthcare provider for professional medical advice, or seek immediate emergency medical care. I am not a medical professional and am only giving advice which is based on my own personal experience.

The best advice I feel I can give you is to tell you to trust yourself and your instincts. Listen to the little voice inside you. Regardless of your symptoms, if deep down inside you really feel that something is wrong, then share your concerns with your O.B. right away. Some people might tell you that you are over re-acting. Don't let them talk you out of your own feelings, or compare your situation to theirs. Every pregnancy is different, and you know your body better than anyone else. If you feel it is necessary, then you must insist that you be checked out. You would rather be safe, than sorry.

If the worst becomes reality and you suffer one of what I called my silent losses, then my heart truly goes

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