Blighted ovum

This happens early in the pregnancy and is quite common. A placenta and embryonic sac has grown, but the embryo has not developed. Pregnancy hormones can also be detected. The sac may be seen on ultrasound, but no embryo growth. The body can reabsorbed this pregnancy or you will miscarry. In some cases you may be advised to have a D&C. This can be called an anembryonic pregnancy.

Chemical Pregnancy

Some women have infertility issues that involve Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG, a hormone that is produced in pregnancy). In this type of pregnancy loss the woman may have raised levels of HCG, indicating that a pregnancy has occurred. But, for some reason the levels of HCG drop off and the pregnancy is no longer viable. This can happen during the first 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy.

Molar Pregnancy

This is a very unusual type of pregnancy and fortunately not too common. During fertilization a genetic error occurs. Within the uterus an abnormal pregnancy grows. Basically what occurs is a fast overgrowth of placenta tissue, which may or may not contain an embryo. HCG levels are monitored and often found to be very high. A positive pregnancy test along with missed periods and severe nausea can occur. Eventually you will miscarry, but you will require a D&C in order to ensure that all tissue is removed. There is a very slight chance that if left untreated this can become malignant. You will be required to have follow-up treatment to monitor the levels of HCG for some time afterwards. There is an increased risk of further molar pregnancies, once you have had one. This is also referred to as gestational trophoblastic disease or a hydatidiform mole.

Intrauterine foetal demise

Due to a genetic issue within the embryo a pregnancy loss occurs. The embryo will of died before any symptoms of miscarriage occur.

Still Birth

This is a particularly traumatic pregnancy loss. A baby of 20 weeks or more gestation is delivered dead. The cause of many stillbirths can remain unknown. However it is possible for placenta or umbilical cord issues or a birth defect to have occurred. Maternal illness can also be a cause. The baby is usually examined after the birth to assess any issues.

Neonatal Loss

Again another traumatic event for all women is a neonatal loss. The baby is born alive, but died some time after birth. There are many reasons why a baby may die, from chromosomal abnormality, organ dysfunction, infection or prematurity. The baby can survivor for up to a few days. In some pregnancies an issue can be detected before labour or sometimes not at all. This can have a huge effect on the whole family.

Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancies are not strictly as miscarriage. The pregnancy is lost, but through medical intervention. The amount of grief this creates is similar to that of a miscarriage.

In an ectopic pregnancy the fertilized egg implants itself outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. Once detected this is considered to be a medical emergency. The consequences can be serious for the mother, as the fallopian tubes are too small and not designed to accommodate a growing pregnancy. This can result in a ruptured fallopian tube. It will require emergency surgery to remove the pregnancy from the fallopian tube, although in some countries medication can also be used. An ultrasound will detect this kind of pregnancy, along with lower levels of HCG. You should look out for sharp, intense pains that are not like period cramps, feeling unwell, i.e. nausea and vomiting, fainting and dizziness. A certain amount of bleeding can also occur, that may be heavier or lighter than a period.

 If you have any of these symptoms, even if you have not had a positive pregnancy test, you must seek immediate medical attention. Please see our resources page for more information.