The reason miscarriages happen is often still a mystery, but one of the most common known reasons is a chromosomal abnormality with the baby. Other reasons are hormonal issues, damaging lifestyle habits (drinking, smoking, too much caffeine, etc.) and maternal trauma.
Most miscarriages happen early in a pregnancy. There are four main types of miscarriage that happen during the first trimester of pregnancy:
- Chemical pregnancy
- Blighted ovum
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Missed miscarriage
There are also times when miscarriage happens later in a pregnancy. Usually second trimester miscarriage happens as a result of a birth defect (i.e. heart doesn’t develop fully) or a chromosomal abnormality. Late-term miscarriages often occur in stages rather than one event.
Continue reading to learn more about types of miscarriage.