Pregnancy loss can be a very painful experience, and it is far more common than many people realize. Roughly 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage[1], and the emotional weight of that loss can be profound regardless of how early it occurs.
If you or someone you love has experienced a pregnancy loss, or if you simply want to better understand what your doctor may be telling you, this guide is here to help. Keep reading to learn more.
Spontaneous Abortion vs. Elective Abortion: Understanding the Terminology
One of the first things that can feel confusing is the medical language used around miscarriage. Let’s address that right away.
- A spontaneous abortion is the medical term for what most people call a miscarriage: a pregnancy loss that occurs naturally, without any intervention.
- An elective abortion refers to a procedure that intentionally ends a pregnancy.
The two are entirely distinct experiences, but they share clinical terminology because both involve the end of a pregnancy. When a medical professional uses the word “abortion” in the context of a miscarriage, they are simply using precise medical language, not making any kind of statement about your situation.
With that foundation in place, let’s walk through the different types of spontaneous abortion (miscarriage), what each one means, and what you might experience.
1. Threatened Miscarriage
A threatened miscarriage refers to a pregnancy that is at risk of ending due to vaginal bleeding with or without pelvic pain in the first trimester.[2]
During a threatened miscarriage, vaginal bleeding occurs while the cervix remains closed. The bleeding can range from light spotting to something more noticeable, and it may be accompanied by mild cramping.
The pregnancy may still continue normally. Many people who experience a threatened miscarriage go on to have healthy, full-term pregnancies.
Common symptoms include[2]:
- Light bleeding or spotting
- Mild cramping or lower abdominal discomfort
If you experience any bleeding during pregnancy, contact your healthcare provider. They will likely perform an ultrasound and check your hormone levels to assess how the pregnancy is progressing. Rest and close monitoring are typically recommended.
2. Inevitable Miscarriage
When a miscarriage has progressed to the point where it cannot be stopped, it is called an inevitable miscarriage. At this stage, the cervix has opened, and both the bleeding and cramping are usually intensifying. The body has begun the process of ending the pregnancy.
Medical management at this point focuses on ensuring the process is complete and that you are physically safe and supported.
3. Incomplete Miscarriage
An incomplete miscarriage occurs when some, but not all, of the pregnancy tissue has passed from the uterus. Some tissue remains inside, which can lead to continued bleeding and an elevated risk of infection if not addressed.
Symptoms typically include:
- Heavy bleeding
- Significant cramping
- An open cervix
Treatment may involve medication to help expel the remaining tissue, or a procedure called a dilation and curettage (D&C) to remove it. Your doctor will guide you through the best option for your specific situation.
4. Complete Miscarriage
A complete miscarriage means that all of the pregnancy tissue has passed from the uterus. Once this happens, the cervix closes, and bleeding and pain typically decrease significantly.
Your doctor will likely confirm a complete miscarriage through an ultrasound to ensure the uterus is fully clear.
5. Missed Miscarriage
In a missed miscarriage, the embryo or fetus has passed away, but it remains in the uterus. Often, there is little or no bleeding or cramping to signal that anything is wrong.[3]
In many cases, a missed miscarriage is discovered during a routine ultrasound when no heartbeat is found, or when expected pregnancy symptoms suddenly disappear.
Management options typically include allowing the miscarriage to progress naturally, using medication to prompt the body to complete the process, or a D&C procedure.
6. Septic Miscarriage
A septic abortion is a miscarriage that has become complicated by a serious infection of the uterus. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. Infection can develop after an incomplete miscarriage, or in some cases following a procedure.[3]
Symptoms may include:
- Fever and chills
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Severe pelvic or abdominal pain
- Heavy bleeding
If you experience these symptoms — especially fever combined with any signs of miscarriage — go to the emergency room or call emergency services right away. Prompt treatment with antibiotics and medical intervention is essential to prevent the infection from spreading.
7. Recurrent Miscarriage
Recurrent miscarriage, sometimes called habitual abortion in medical literature, refers to experiencing multiple consecutive pregnancy losses. It is generally defined as two or three or more consecutive losses, and it affects roughly 1 percent of reproductive-aged women.[4]
Healthcare providers may recommend evaluation for underlying causes, which can include[4]:
- Hormonal imbalances (such as thyroid disorders or progesterone deficiency)
- Genetic or chromosomal factors in either partner
- Uterine abnormalities (such as fibroids, polyps, or a septum)
Identifying a cause does not always lead to a clear solution, but for many people, answers bring a measure of understanding — and sometimes, effective treatment that improves the chances of a future successful pregnancy.
Common Causes of Miscarriage
Miscarriage is rarely caused by anything the pregnant person did or did not do. Most early miscarriages are the result of factors entirely outside anyone’s control. Common causes include[1]:
- Chromosomal abnormalities — the most frequent cause, particularly in early pregnancy, occurring when an embryo doesn’t develop the right number of chromosomes during fertilization
- Hormonal issues — imbalances that prevent the uterine lining from supporting a growing embryo
- Uterine abnormalities — structural issues that can interfere with implantation or fetal development
- Infection — certain infections can affect pregnancy viability
- Certain chronic diseases — including uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid disease, and others
It bears repeating: in the vast majority of cases, miscarriage is not caused by exercise, stress, an argument, something you ate, or anything else within your everyday life. Please extend yourself the same compassion you would offer a friend.
Free Pregnancy Services in Redding, California
Think you might be pregnant? Don’t wait to get the care you deserve. NorthState Care Clinic offers free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds to confirm your pregnancy in a safe, confidential setting.
Have questions or need to talk? We’re here for that too.
Call us at 530-246-7075 or schedule your appointment online today! All services are free and confidential.
*Important note: Please be aware that this article is not meant to substitute for medical advice or treatment. The purpose of our limited ultrasound exams is to identify a pregnancy inside the uterus, detect the fetal heartbeat, and estimate how far along you are. If there is no detectable heartbeat, it may indicate a miscarriage is occurring. If we cannot detect a fetal heartbeat during your appointment, we will provide appropriate referrals for follow-up care and treatment.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic. (2023, September 8). Miscarriage – Symptoms and Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
- Cleveland Clinic. (2023, June 6). Threatened Miscarriage. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/25055-threatened-miscarriage
- Cleveland Clinic. (2022, July 19). Miscarriage. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9688-miscarriage
- Yale Medicine. (2026). Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/recurrent-pregnancy-loss