When pregnant, you may be hypersensitive to every little twinge or cramp you feel. This is especially true if you’ve had a miscarriage or pregnancy complications in the past. Because symptoms of early miscarriage can vary, it’s important to trust your intuition. Here are some tips to help you determine whether what you’re experiencing is an early miscarriage or period spotting and cramps.
Early miscarriage signs to watch for
Is it spotting or pregnancy loss?
Implantation bleeding, often known as spotting, is the bleeding that occurs as the fertilized egg is attaching to the uterine lining. Light spotting on your underwear is generally nothing to be too concerned about and is quite common. Spotting generally lasts just a few days.
Early miscarriage blood loss, however, tends to extend beyond a few days and is often a heavier flow. “Be sure to contact your doctor if your bleeding is so heavy and you’re soaking more than one maxi pad for two hours,” advised ob-gyn Dr. Bjorkman in her YouTube video about miscarriage. “Or, if that bleeding is making you dizzy or lightheaded, and the pain is so intense that you just aren’t able to cope at home with over-the-counter medication.”
It can be challenging to determine whether what you’re experiencing is an early miscarriage or period-related because symptoms can be similar. It’s sometimes impossible to tell the difference unless your pregnancy has been confirmed through a home pregnancy test or by a doctor. If you know you’re pregnant and you experience bleeding that is heavier than regular spotting or cramping, assume that you’re not starting your period. This is a good time to consult with your doctor.
Cramping and bleeding in early pregnancy don’t always indicate a miscarriage. However, it’s smart to get it checked out even if you’re not sure you’re pregnant. Seek medical attention immediately if you begin having regular contractions. With quick medical intervention, pre-term labor can often be stopped, allowing you to complete your pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby.
