The main signs are cramping and bleeding, much like a heavy menstrual flow. Medical care following an early miscarriage is recommended in order to insure that all of the fetal tissue is removed form the woman's body. It is estimated that 75 percent of all miscarriages occur during the first trimester of pregnancy. The remainder occurs in the second trimester. Signs of second trimester miscarriage are severe, labor-like cramps and heavy bleeding followed by the discharge of the developing fetus.
Medical attention is required to be certain that all fetal tissue has passed out of the body.
Generally an egg and sperm dividing or implanting improperly cause miscarriages. Sometimes a woman's hormonal level is lower than necessary, causing the lining of the uterus to weaken and to become unable to hold a fertilized egg. Often, however, the exact cause of miscarriage remains unknown. In the majority of cases, having a miscarriage does not affect a woman's ability to get pregnant again. Miscarriage at any stage of pregnancy can be an emotionally difficult experience for couples.