Compassionate Care for Miscarriage in Southern California

Miscarriage is the most common type of pregnancy loss, occurring before the twentieth week of pregnancy. You’re most likely to experience a miscarriage in your first trimester (week one through week 12). While the majority of pregnancies are healthy, around 10 percent end in miscarriage.

Dignity Health offers comprehensive pregnancy care, including services for miscarriage, in Southern California, at the following locations:

If you’d like to make an appointment, use our online tool and Find a Doctor.

Miscarriage Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of miscarriage include:

  • Abdominal pain or cramping, which may feel like menstrual cramps
  • Fluid or tissue discharge from the vagina
  • Vaginal spotting or bleeding
  • Backache

If you notice spotting or light bleeding, don’t panic. It’s common during pregnancy and not always a sign of miscarriage. Talk with your doctor if you have any of the above symptoms.

Causes of Miscarriage

The most common causes of miscarriage are:

  • Problems with the uterus or cervix, including cervical incompetence, which is when the cervix dilates and thins out before the pregnancy has reached term
  • Exposure to certain medications or toxic chemicals 
  • Exposure to environmental hazards such as radiation
  • Chromosome problems
  • Infections
  • Unhealthy hormone levels
  • Uncontrolled diabetes

Your risk of miscarrying goes up as you get older. More than 30 percent of pregnancies in women older than 40 result in miscarriage.

Preventing Miscarriage at Dignity Health Southern California Hospitals

Our baby and family doctors focus on creating the best possible circumstances for a healthy pregnancy. You can decrease your risk of miscarriage by: 

  • Continuing appropriate medical care for any pre-existing chronic health conditions such as diabetes
  • Avoiding alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and unsafe or dangerous medications and chemicals
  • Receiving regular pregnancy care

If you suspect symptoms of miscarriage, contact your doctor. 

Coping & Support

Dignity Health Southern California hospitals doctors and staff can provide you with medical and emotional support.

It may take several weeks or a month to physically recover after a miscarriage, and sometimes longer to recover emotionally. If you’re feeling overwhelmed during the grieving process, your doctor can provide guidance and refer you to a therapist to help you cope.

If you’ve miscarried several times, your doctor may recommend further tests to determine what’s causing the issue. Fortunately, most women who experience a miscarriage go on to have healthy pregnancies. 

Dignity Health offers personalized care and humankindness to diagnose miscarriage symptoms in Southern California.