First trimester miscarriages often occur at six weeks. However, this is usually around the time most women discover they are expecting, while some still have no idea. That makes it more difficult to prevent a miscarriage. Here's what you need to know about pregnancy loss at six weeks of pregnancy or after.

Why do most miscarriages happen at 6 weeks? 

The majority of pregnancies end due to circumstances beyond the woman's control. Genetic problems are a common cause of miscarriage early in pregnancy. The first trimester, which lasts from 0 and 13 weeks, accounts for about 80% of miscarriages. Because fetuses are most susceptible early in their development, other variables such as drug exposure can do the most harm. This is why the majority of miscarriages happen early in pregnancy.

Why do miscarriages happen after 6 weeks? 

Here are some of the things that can cause a first trimester miscarriage:

Chromosomal anomalies 

Extra or missing chromosomes are linked to around half of all miscarriages. Chromosome issues are most commonly caused by mistakes that arise by chance when the embryo divides and develops. Chromosomal anomalies may lead to:

• Blighted Ovum: A fertilized egg that implants in the uterus but does not develop into an embryo is known as a blighted ovum.
• Molar pregnancy and Partial Molar pregnancy: Both sets of chromosomes originate from the father in a molar pregnancy. A molar pregnancy is marked by aberrant placental growth and the absence of embryonic development. A partial molar pregnancy is when both parents' chromosomes are present. A partial molar pregnancy is generally linked to placental anomalies and an unhealthy fetus.

However, you should note that unusual development of the uterus can be linked to cancerous stages of the uterus. That's why it's important to consult with a doctor during your pregnancy.

State of maternal health

The health of the mother plays an important part in her pregnancy. Some diseases can cause first trimester miscarriage (or even late miscarriage) if not looked after and contained properly. Some of these conditions include:

• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Hormonal imbalance
• Uterus or cervix complications
• Thyroid disease

Additionally, infections such as herpes complex, listeria, parvovirus B19, rubella, and cytomegalovirus can increase the risk of a first trimester miscarriage.

Clotting Anomalies 

Clotting disorders are diseases in which your body produces more blood clots than usual. Blood clots can develop in the placenta during pregnancy. This stops the fetus from receiving nourishment and oxygen; and stops waste from being transported away.

How likely is miscarriage after I hear the baby's heartbeat?

Most women are aware that the chance of miscarriage decreases by the end of week 12, and this is backed by extensive research. But there is another time earlier in the pregnancy when the risk of miscarriage decreases. According to one study, the chance of miscarriage reduces to about 10% after a pregnancy reaches six or seven weeks and has a heartbeat. Many women are unaware of this milestone, and the heartbeat is usually not checked until the first ultrasound scan around week 11 or 12, but those who have had fertility treatment or who are having early scans for other reasons will be able to date their pregnancy accurately and will know when they have passed it.

How long does a first trimester miscarriage last? 

A miscarriage can last from a few hours to several weeks. The physical process is slow and completes within two weeks. A woman may suffer a miscarriage early in her pregnancy and only experience bleeding and cramps for a few hours. Another woman, on the other hand, may experience miscarriage bleeding for up to a week or two. The bleeding can be heavy and clot-filled, but it gradually fades over days until ending completely, generally within two weeks. The body might take up to a month or more to physically recover after a miscarriage. In four to six weeks, periods may resume. Pregnancy hormones can last up to two months in the body. The miscarriage's psychological repercussions on the body and psyche may last a long time.

6 weeks after an abortion, I am still testing positive but all signs of pregnancy have gone away. Could it still be pregnancy? 

A pregnancy test may provide a false-positive result soon after an abortion. This happens because the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is still present in substantial amounts in the body. While hCG levels usually drop fast after an abortion, it might take days or weeks for them to recover to normal. Three weeks after the end of a pregnancy, a home pregnancy test usually yields an accurate negative result. However, if the pregnancy test still shows positive results after three weeks, it may be an indication of a new pregnancy. One is advised to contact a doctor as soon as possible so that necessary tests can be done.

How long do you bleed after a natural miscarriage? 

No two miscarriages are alike. What you go through will depend on how far along you were and how long it took your body to discharge the results of conception. If you're pregnant with twins or multiples, the process may look a little different. Some women may have bleeding for up to a week. Others may suffer spotting for up to four weeks following the procedure. Again, clotting, tissue loss, cramping, and stomach discomfort can accompany the bleeding, which can range from mild to heavy. Consult your doctor if the cramping persists or if you experience symptoms of infection, such as high temperature or feeling sick. The cramping should subside with time, and the bleeding should stop. It can range in hue from red to dark brown to pink.

You shouldn't be ashamed to ask for support after a miscarriage.

How soon after a first trimester miscarriage can I get pregnant? 

A miscarriage can leave you feeling bereft. You and your spouse may also feel sad, anxious, or guilty. Don't try to speed through the mourning process.

To avoid infection, intercourse is often avoided for two weeks following a miscarriage. However, it's common for a lot of women to ovulate at least 14 days after a late or first trimester miscarriage and conceive soon after.

Ask your healthcare provider for advice once you feel emotionally and physically ready for pregnancy after a miscarriage. There may be no need to wait after one loss before trying to conceive again. If you've had two or more miscarriages, your doctor may suggest testing.

Can vitamins and supplements help prevent a first trimester miscarriage? 

A research was conducted to find out if supplements reduced miscarriages. They found that supplementing women with vitamins does not affect the number of miscarriages they have. However, when compared to women who just received iron and folic acid, the incidence of stillbirth was lower in the multivitamin plus iron and folic acid group. Multiple studies have found that persons who started taking folate supplements before becoming pregnant had fewer spontaneous abortions.

Pregnancy has its unique set of dietary requirements. Your baby not only needs a lot of nutrients to grow and develop, but your body is also working hard to support that growth. Prenatal vitamins, which are specifically made to meet the nutritional needs of pregnant women, include greater quantities of key nutrients such as calcium, folate, and iron, to ensure you have a healthy pregnancy.

Final thoughts 

A lot of women suffer from postpartum depression after giving birth or a miscarriage. This is mostly caused by the non-production of specific hormones needed by your body. Binto's ingredients are here to supply the needed nutrients to your body and help women recover from first trimester miscarriage and postpartum depression. Click here to learn more about Binto and how we can help you with postpartum support.