A normal pregnancy term should last for about 40 weeks. The inability for a pregnancy to successfully reach its full term is a miscarriage. There are various types of miscarriages that can be diagnosed.

Miscarriages happen as a result of various factors, ranging from health issues, to eating habit, to lifestyle, miscarriage is a silent joy thief for expectant mothers. It is important to note that not all miscarriages are alike and so also the causes. There are five major types of miscarriages;

1. Threatened Miscarriage: This occurs when there is a little bleeding or lower abdominal pain. It is simply the body giving signs that a miscarriage may occur. The cervix is still closed in this type of miscarriage. Threatened miscarriage could still end up a healthy pregnancy, although it’s a risk.
2. Inevitable Miscarriage: This type of miscarriage usually succeeds  the threatened miscarriage. In this type of miscarriage, there is excess bleeding and the cervix gives way for the foetus to slide down along with the bleeding. It is also accompanied with strong abdominal pain.
3. Incomplete Miscarriage:  When some of the pregnancy tissues are still left over, this leads to incomplete miscarriage. Strong abdominal pain may also felt as the uterus gradually empties itself. If this is diagnosed, a proper procedure known as dilatation of the cervix and curettage of the uterus (D&C) is to be carried to remove the remnant pregnancy tissues.
4. Complete Miscarriage: This occurs when the uterus totally empties itself. The vaginal bleeding may, however, continue for several days along with abdominal pains in which the uterus tries to contract itself to be empty.

5. Missed Miscarriage: When the baby dies, but still stays in the uterus, it is known as a missed miscarriage. This type of miscarriage is the least likely to be easily detected. In as much as the signs may go unnoticed, a brownish discharge could be the first sign to be detected. The other signs of pregnancy may also gradually fade away. This is the time to contact your doctor or specialist.Photo Credit: Getty