Second Trimester Miscarriage – Specific Causes & Symptoms

Miscarriage is referred as “spontaneous abortion,” and results in loss of pregnancy generally before 24 weeks. Majority of miscarriages happen in the first 12 weeks of fetal gestation only. The chances of any miscarriage are reduced by 10% after the 12th week. However, that does not completely eliminate the possibility of second trimester miscarriage. Miscarriages happening during second trimester of pregnancy are unexpected and rare. As such, it is important that the pregnant woman consult the doctor immediately on any signs of miscarriage in second trimester.

Second trimester of pregnancy is medically considered to begin in 12th week and lasts till the 20th week of pregnancy. Any miscarriages happening within this period should be considered as second trimester pregnancy. This type of miscarriage may be caused due to several reasons, an important cause being certain chromosome problems with the fetus. This generally occurs at first trimester, and can go undetected till the miscarriage happens in second trimester. It may also happen that the fetus has self-aborted in the 1st trimester only, but was somehow “missed” by the doctors during normal screening. Other causes of second trimester miscarriage as mentioned below:

• Incompetent Cervix
• Acute trauma to abdomen
• Thrombophilia Disorder
• Infection is pelvic cavity or in certain other parts of the body
• Placenta Previa
• Heart defects of fetus
• Placental Abruption

Important signs of miscarriage in second trimester are discussed herewith:

• During the second trimester, the membrane that protects the baby is completely in place. If a pregnant woman feels any fluid dripping out from vagina, or if the bag of water gets damaged, this is a specific sign of second trimester miscarriage. If you find any grayish material or tissue passing out during urination, collect it and consult the doctor immediately
• Vaginal bleeding is another important sign of second trimester miscarriage. On experiencing any such symptom, it is important to consult the gynecologist immediately. It is important to note here that vaginal bleeding is a common symptom of miscarriage in both early and later weeks of pregnancy
• Abdominal cramping may be experienced along with vaginal bleeding during second trimester miscarriage
• If you find some clots passing through your vagina during urination, it might be the symptom of loss of fetus

Internal bleeding is one of the important signs of miscarriage in second trimester, and may cause swelling of the stomach, or severe pain in the shoulders.