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miscarriage is defined as the spontaneous loss of a
fetus before it is *viable, which in the USA is the 20th
Aweek of pregnancy and in the UK the 23rd week. The
medical term for miscarriage is "spontaneous
abortion".
*A fetus is "viable" when it has the potential to survive
outside the womb.
Miscarriage is one of the most common complications
associated with early pregnancy. Sadly, around a quarter or even more - of all pregnancies result in miscarriage.
Most miscarriages occur during the first few months of
pregnancy. An estimated 75 percent of miscarriages
happen during the woman's first trimester.
Although miscarriage is relatively common, it can be an
extremely traumatic and devastating experience.
Researchers at the University of Queensland identified a
link between the development of alcohol problems and
psychiatric disorders following miscarriage.
What are the signs and symptoms of miscarriage
The main sign of
miscarriage is vaginal
spotting or bleeding,
which can vary a from
Joy feelings magazine
slight brownish discharge
to very heavy bleeding.
Other symptoms include: