Pregnancy & Miscarriage: Navigating Hope, Loss, and Healing

Stacia Aaron | Women’s Health Blog | Frisco, TX

Pregnancy is a season filled with anticipation, change, and deep emotional connection. But for many women, it also brings a reality that is often unspoken—miscarriage. Experiencing a miscarriage can be heartbreaking, confusing, and lonely. It’s also far more common than many realize. At our women’s health clinic in Frisco, TX, we are committed to walking with you through every part of your reproductive journey—with care, compassion, and expert support.

Understanding Pregnancy and Its Early Stages

Pregnancy begins when a fertilized egg implants into the lining of the uterus. From this moment, a woman’s body undergoes a series of hormonal and physical changes to support the developing embryo. Early signs of pregnancy include:

• Missed period

• Nausea or morning sickness

• Breast tenderness

• Fatigue

• Mild cramping or spotting (sometimes related to implantation)

Once pregnancy is confirmed with a positive home test or lab results, prenatal care is essential to monitor the baby’s growth and ensure the mother’s health.

What Is a Miscarriage?

A miscarriage, also known as a spontaneous abortion, is the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. Most miscarriages happen in the first trimester—before 13 weeks—and are usually due to factors beyond a woman’s control.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), about 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, but the actual number may be higher since many losses occur before a woman even knows she’s pregnant.

Causes of Miscarriage

While it’s natural to want answers after a miscarriage, the cause is often unknown. Common causes include:

• Chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo (most common)

• Hormonal imbalances, such as low progesterone

• Chronic conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders

• Uterine abnormalities (e.g., fibroids or septum)

• Infections

• Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, drug use, or excessive caffeine

• Age – The risk of miscarriage increases with maternal age, especially after 35

Importantly, everyday activities like exercise, working, or mild stress do not cause miscarriage. In most cases, there’s nothing the mother could have done to prevent it.

Signs and Symptoms of Miscarriage

The symptoms of miscarriage can vary, but may include:

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting

• Cramping or pain in the lower abdomen

• Fluid or tissue passing from the vagina

• Loss of pregnancy symptoms (nausea, breast tenderness)

It’s important to note that some bleeding in early pregnancy can be normal (as with implantation bleeding), but any bleeding should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Diagnosis and Management

If a miscarriage is suspected, your provider will likely perform:

• A pelvic exam

• Ultrasound to check for fetal heartbeat or development

• Blood tests to measure human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels

If a miscarriage is confirmed, the body may pass the tissue naturally, or your provider may recommend medication or a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure to remove remaining tissue.

Emotional Impact and Healing

Miscarriage is not just a physical event—it is an emotional one as well. Women often experience grief, sadness, guilt, or anxiety. These emotions are valid, and it’s important to give yourself time and space to process them. Partners, too, may feel loss and need support. It’s common for couples to grieve differently, and communication during this time is key.

Seeking counseling, joining a support group, or speaking with a compassionate healthcare provider can make a significant difference in healing after pregnancy loss.

Trying Again After Miscarriage

Many women go on to have healthy pregnancies after a miscarriage. In most cases, it’s safe to try again after one or two normal menstrual cycles. However, if you've had multiple miscarriages (recurrent pregnancy loss), your provider may recommend testing to look for underlying causes.

Some women may need additional monitoring or fertility support in subsequent pregnancies. If you're unsure about when or how to try again, a personalized consultation with a women's health practitioner can help you create a plan that feels right for your body and your emotional readiness.

Preventive Steps for a Healthy Pregnancy

While not all miscarriages can be prevented, there are steps you can take to support a healthy pregnancy:

• Take a prenatal vitamin with folic acid

• Maintain a healthy weight and balanced diet

• Avoid smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs

• Manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure

• Limit caffeine to under 200 mg per day

• Reduce stress through mindfulness, counseling, or self-care practices

• Attend regular prenatal visits

If you’ve experienced miscarriage in the past, early prenatal care is especially important in future pregnancies.

You Are Not Alone

Miscarriage can feel isolating, especially because it’s often not openly discussed. But the truth is, many women have walked this road—and many are walking it right now.

At our Frisco women’s health clinic, we see you. We know how important your journey is. Whether you’re newly pregnant and seeking care, healing after a loss, or wondering what comes next, we’re here to walk beside you with expert guidance and heartfelt support.

Schedule a Discovery Call Today

If you’re navigating a pregnancy, have experienced a miscarriage, or are seeking answers about your fertility, we invite you to connect with us. You deserve personalized care, thoughtful answers, and a space to feel supported.

Schedule a discovery call with our women’s health team in Frisco, TX today—and let us walk with you, every step of the way.

References:

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023). Early Pregnancy Loss. https://www.acog.org

2. Mayo Clinic. (2023). Miscarriage. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/miscarriage

3. March of Dimes. (2022). Miscarriage. https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/pregnancy/miscarriage

4. National Institutes of Health. (2022). Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pregnancyloss