Spontaneous Abortion: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Spontaneous Abortion?
A primary care doctor is often the first person to talk to about early pregnancy bleeding and may order the first tests or refer the patient to an obstetrician, a specialist in pregnancy and childbirth. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is a spontaneous abortion?
A spontaneous abortion is the medical term for a miscarriage, the loss of a pregnancy before the twentieth week. It is common and usually happens because the baby was not developing normally. It is not caused by anything the pregnant person did wrong.
Most miscarriages happen in the first three months of pregnancy. After twenty weeks, the loss of a pregnancy is called a stillbirth. A miscarriage is different from an induced abortion, which is done on purpose.
Symptoms
The most common signs are vaginal bleeding, cramping, and pain in the lower back. Bleeding in early pregnancy does not always mean a miscarriage, but a doctor should check any bleeding. Some miscarriages cause only mild symptoms or are found during a routine checkup.
Causes and who gets it
Most miscarriages happen when the baby has chromosome problems, which occur by chance and are usually not inherited. Other risks include being older than thirty-five, smoking, drinking alcohol, using certain drugs, and poorly controlled diabetes. Everyday activities like exercise, working, and having sex do not cause miscarriage.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor will ask about symptoms and do a pelvic exam. They often order an ultrasound to see whether the pregnancy is growing. Blood tests measuring the pregnancy hormone hCG may also be done.
Treatment
Sometimes the body completes the miscarriage on its own. A doctor may offer a medicine that helps the body pass the pregnancy tissue, or a short procedure called a dilation and curettage (D and C). Grief after a miscarriage is normal and real.
When to see a doctor
Anyone pregnant with bleeding, cramping, or passing of tissue should contact a doctor right away. Heavy bleeding, fever, chills, or severe pain need prompt medical attention.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance; a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can talk through symptoms, order blood tests, and provide ultrasound referrals.
Common questions
Can a miscarriage be prevented?
Most of the time, no. Most miscarriages come from chromosome problems that cannot be predicted or stopped. Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and drugs, and managing long-term health conditions, can lower some risks.
How soon can someone try to get pregnant again?
Many doctors say it is safe to try again after the bleeding stops and the person feels ready. This may be after one or two normal periods. The right timing depends on the person's health and how they feel. A doctor can help decide what makes sense.
Does having one miscarriage mean it will happen again?
Usually not. Most people who have one miscarriage go on to have a healthy pregnancy. People who have two or three in a row should talk to a doctor, because testing may be helpful.
Is it safe to keep exercising during pregnancy?
For most people, yes. Regular exercise does not cause miscarriage in a normal pregnancy. Anyone with questions about their own activity level should ask their doctor.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Miscarriage
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists - Early Pregnancy Loss
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
