Pregnancy Loss Understanding Miscarriage, Recovery, and Support
Pregnancy loss can be one of the most difficult experiences a person or family faces. If you are navigating a loss, or are concerned about the possibility of one, you deserve accurate information and compassionate support. While pregnancy loss is common, it is never insignificant.
If you would like to return to the Pregnancy guide, visit the Pregnancy hub.
Pregnancy Topics
What to Say to Someone Who Had a Miscarriage
After a Miscarriage: Surviving Emotionally
Symptoms & Signs of Miscarriage
What Is Pregnancy Loss?
Pregnancy loss refers to the loss of a pregnancy before birth. Loss can occur for many reasons, and in many cases, the cause is not preventable.1
Types of pregnancy loss may include early miscarriage, chemical pregnancy, missed miscarriage, recurrent pregnancy loss, and stillbirth (later pregnancy loss).
Learn what a chemical pregnancy is and how it differs from other early losses
Signs of Miscarriage
If you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, or dizziness, seek medical care immediately.
Possible signs of miscarriage may include vaginal bleeding, cramping, passing tissue, and loss of pregnancy symptoms.
Review detailed information on the signs of miscarriage and when to seek care
Medical Management After Miscarriage
Your provider will discuss options based on your situation and medical history. After a miscarriage, management options may include expectant management (allowing tissue to pass naturally), medication, or a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure.
Learn what a D&C procedure involves and when it may be recommended
Physical Recovery After Miscarriage
Physical recovery timelines vary. Follow-up care helps ensure safe healing. You may experience bleeding for several days to weeks, hormonal shifts, fatigue, and changes in your menstrual cycle.
Explore what physical recovery after miscarriage looks like and how to support healing
Emotional Healing After Pregnancy Loss
Emotional recovery is often more complex and less predictable than physical healing. There is no correct way to grieve. Support groups, counseling, and trusted conversations can help.
Common emotional responses may include grief, anger, guilt, sadness, anxiety, and numbness.
Find emotional support guidance for surviving and processing pregnancy loss
Pregnancy After Miscarriage
Many individuals go on to have healthy pregnancies after miscarriage. However, feelings of fear or anxiety during subsequent pregnancies are common. Your provider can help guide timing and reassurance.
Learn what to expect when trying to conceive or becoming pregnant after a miscarriage
What Is a Rainbow Baby?
A baby born after pregnancy loss is sometimes called a rainbow baby. While this language may bring comfort to some families, each person experience is deeply personal.
Learn about the meaning of the term rainbow baby and how families find comfort after loss
Supporting Someone Experiencing Pregnancy Loss
If someone you care about is experiencing loss, offering steady presence and listening can be meaningful. Simple expressions of support often matter most.
Find guidance on what to say and how to support someone after pregnancy loss
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Recurrent pregnancy loss may prompt further medical evaluation. Medical evaluation may provide clarity in some cases.
Testing may assess genetic factors, hormonal conditions, uterine structure, and blood clotting disorders.
Explore information on genetic factors and conditions that may relate to recurrent loss
You Are Not Alone
Pregnancy loss is more common than many people realize. Research suggests that up to 10 to 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, often due to chromosomal abnormalities.1 Loss is not caused by normal daily activities, mild stress, or routine movement. If you are navigating loss, you deserve support, clear medical information, and time to heal. Healing, physically and emotionally, happens at different paces for each person.
Explore guidance on getting pregnant when you are ready to try again
