# Miscarriage and Pregnancy Loss

Source: https://www.pregnancypowerhour.com/conditions/pregnancy-loss
Last updated: 2026-07-15

> Miscarriage, or pregnancy loss before 20 weeks, is a common experience, affecting many pregnancies, often due to factors beyond anyone's control.

## What it is
Miscarriage, or pregnancy loss before 20 weeks, is a deeply personal and often unexpected experience that affects a significant number of pregnancies. While roughly 10–20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, research suggests it's closer to half of all conceptions. It's important to understand that over 80% of these losses occur in the first trimester, and the vast majority are caused by chromosomal abnormalities that are simply incompatible with healthy development. This means the loss is almost always due to factors entirely outside of your control, not anything you did or didn't do.

## What it tends to feel like
Experiencing a pregnancy loss can bring a wide range of emotions, and every person's experience is unique. Grief is a valid and natural response, and there is no "right" timeline or way to process it. You might feel sadness, anger, confusion, or a profound sense of loss. It's common to question what happened, even when the evidence points to natural causes. Remember, your feelings are valid, and allowing yourself space to grieve is an important part of healing. Mental health support is a crucial component of comprehensive care during this time, and your care team can help you connect with resources.

## What the evidence says helps
When a miscarriage is confirmed, your care team will discuss management options. These typically include expectant management (allowing the process to happen naturally), medical management (using medication like misoprostol), or surgical management (procedures like D&C or MVA). Evidence suggests all these options have similar completion rates, and the choice should always be patient-led, based on what feels most comfortable and appropriate for you. Your provider can help you weigh the benefits and considerations of each.

It's also helpful to understand what *doesn't* cause miscarriage. Current evidence consistently debunks common myths: normal exercise, sex, everyday stress, lifting typical loads, and minor falls do not cause pregnancy loss. Most often, the cause is genetic, not related to daily activities.

Regarding progesterone supplementation, the PRISM trial from 2019 showed a possible benefit specifically for individuals experiencing bleeding in early pregnancy who also had a history of prior miscarriage. However, it's not routinely indicated for all cases of early bleeding. Your care team can help determine if this might be an option for your specific situation. Many parents find comfort in knowing that after one miscarriage, the chance of a healthy subsequent pregnancy is around 85%. While recurrent pregnancy loss (three or more consecutive losses) affects a smaller percentage of couples, a cause can often be identified in about half of these cases, and many still go on to have successful pregnancies.

## Working with your care team
Navigating a pregnancy loss requires open communication with your care team. They are your best resource for understanding your specific situation, discussing management options, and providing both physical and emotional support. Don't hesitate to ask questions about what to expect, what symptoms to monitor, and where to find additional support. While this experience is distinct, it's a reminder that various conditions can arise during pregnancy, such as [Cervical Insufficiency](/conditions/cervical-insufficiency), [IUGR — Fetal Growth Restriction](/conditions/iugr), or [Oligohydramnios](/conditions/oligohydramnios), all of which also require careful monitoring and collaboration with your provider. Your care team is there to support you through every step, offering guidance and care tailored to your needs.