The most common time for something to go wrong with a pregnancy is in the first days and weeks after conception, when some women miscarry. It's thought that many early miscarriages go undetected, if your period arrives as normal you may never even suspect you were pregnant.
About one in six confirmed pregnancies miscarries, usually before 12 weeks. Most women who have one miscarriage go on to have a normal, healthy pregnancy next time.
Miscarriage isn't fully understood and some miscarriages just happen without explanation. Miscarriage is almost always something that's outside your control. Your doctor may be able to reassure you about this.
Later miscarriage and stillbirth
Miscarriage is defined as the spontaneous loss of a foetus before 24 weeks. Stillbirth is when a baby dies in the uterus after this date.
Some late miscarriages happen because of a detected abnormality in the foetus. Sometimes babies die suddenly inside the womb without any apparent reason. In such cases, the mother realises the baby has stopped moving. Don't assume this is the only reason for lack of movement if it happens to you as babies vary in their activity levels, and may even sleep for long periods.
If you think your baby has stopped moving, call the hospital and report it. If there's any concern, it may be suggested that you come to the antenatal clinic so they can listen to the baby's heart.
You and your baby
Miscarriage is always a sad event, and both you and your partner will need understanding, sympathy and support. You may want to talk over the possible reasons for the miscarriage with a doctor, and ask about becoming pregnant again. Generally, there's no reason why this shouldn't be possible, although you may want to wait for your next period so you can tell when you'll be able to conceive.
