Miscarriage, no matter at what stage of pregnancy it occurs, is a profound grief for the woman who was eagerly awaiting her baby. It is the violent ending of the dreams she had placed in the tiny embryo growing inside her, and certainly the pain is not erased by the arrival of another baby. Perhaps it is only softened by the new hope that comes with a “rainbow baby,” but for every woman who has lived through it, it is a deeply traumatic experience.

Guilt, despair, and desperate thoughts that she may never become a mother overwhelm her. On this journey of loss, it is important to know that you are not alone. Even if no one talks about it, millions of women around the world have experienced it.

And since Mother’s Day is approaching, it is fitting to pay tribute to these mothers as well and remind them that they are not to blame and that their hope has not come to an end.

Statistics around miscarriages

According to the most recent scientific studies:

  • Approximately 1 in 4 pregnancies ends in miscarriage.
  • More than 80% of miscarriages occur during the first trimester.
  • Most miscarriages are due to random chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo, which are not related to the mother’s health or actions.

In fact, if cases of biochemical pregnancy are also taken into account, the percentage of miscarriages becomes even higher. Often, a biochemical pregnancy goes completely unnoticed by the woman, as it ends before or shortly after the expected period date.

This is why we recommend that a woman should not start pregnancy testing excessively early. Although HomeTest pregnancy tests can detect an early pregnancy even several days before a missed period, and strip pregnancy tests are very affordable, our advice is to wait until the first day of a missed period. After all, the chances of a biochemical pregnancy are high during the 4th week (the week before the period) and then decrease.

It’s not your fault: The causes of miscarriage

The feeling of guilt that accompanies every mother begins from the very moment she realizes that she is carrying a life inside her. And if that life ends in such a tragic way, guilt sets in—often amplified by urban myths and outdated beliefs that have no logical basis.

No, it is not caused by stress, poor diet, or exercise. In the vast majority of miscarriages, there was nothing you could have done to prevent it. And even when health-related factors are involved, these are often conditions the woman herself may not even be aware of, making it impossible to predict or prevent them.

More specifically, the most common causes of miscarriage are:

  • Chromosomal abnormalities: The most common cause, usually due to random errors during fertilization.
  • Hormonal disorders: Such as uncontrolled hypothyroidism, diabetes, etc.
  • Anatomical uterine issues: Including fibroids, polyps, or endometriosis.
  • Immunological causes: Antiphospholipid syndrome or autoimmune diseases such as lupus.
  • Thrombophilia: A condition that increases the tendency for blood clots and can affect the placenta.

Therefore, in most cases, nature takes on a difficult task. This does not make the physical and emotional trauma of miscarriage any easier. However, it is an important reminder that it is not your fault and that isolation is not the answer.

There is hope: Pregnancy after miscarriage

Trying again for a pregnancy after a miscarriage requires immense courage—and it is precisely this strength that all women carry within them.

On this “leap forward,” statistics can offer reassurance:

  • After one miscarriage, approximately 85–90% of women will have a normal pregnancy in the future.
  • After two miscarriages, about 75% will achieve a successful pregnancy without medical intervention.
  • Even after three or more miscarriages (recurrent miscarriage), 60–70% of women ultimately give birth to a healthy baby, with or without treatment.

Miscarriages are usually an isolated event, not an indication of infertility. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor in the following cases:

  • Recurrent miscarriages (2 or more)
  • A history of chronic conditions (e.g. thyroid disorders, thrombophilia, diabetes)
  • Age over 35

Today, there are many ways to investigate and support fertility, from blood tests to ovulation tests and semen analysis—many of which can be done in the comfort of your own home.

Seeking medical help is an act of courage that is very likely to help you hold your baby in your arms and significantly reduce the chances of experiencing the trauma of miscarriage again.

In any case, you may be surprised to realize how relieving it is to talk about the grief of miscarriage. It is a deeply personal experience, but speaking with people who understand you offers a sense of connection.

Talk to people who will listen, who won’t rush to say “it’s okay,” “you already have another child,” or “at least it was early.” Talk to people who will simply be there for you and remind you that you are not alone—and that within you lies the strength to move forward.