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Is Loss of Pregnancy Symptoms a Sign of Miscarriage?

From , former About.com Guide

Updated November 24, 2008

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Question: Is Loss of Pregnancy Symptoms a Sign of Miscarriage?

So, let's say you've recently learned you're pregnant, and then you notice that you're feeling the usual symptoms of pregnancy -- sore breasts, a little nausea, maybe some food aversions, etc. Then, one day, you wake up in the morning and you feel fine and have completely lost your pregnancy symptoms. Does that mean you're having a miscarriage?

Answer:

It is true that loss of pregnancy symptoms can happen with a miscarriage, especially a missed miscarriage, but it is also true that symptoms can fluctuate in a normal pregnancy. Women have a great deal of individual variation in how they respond to pregnancy, and fluctuation in pregnancy symptoms does not necessarily mean anything. You can feel morning sickness and then have it vanish suddenly, and everything can still be fine in your pregnancy.

In most normal pregnancies, the common early symptoms (sore breasts and morning sickness, in particular) do tend to fade at the end of the first trimester -- and the disappearance can indeed be sudden. If your symptoms disappear entirely in early pregnancy, before the end of the first trimester, mention it to your doctor to be on the safe side -- but it isn't necessarily a sign of miscarriage.

If loss of pregnancy symptoms happens alongside other possible symptoms of miscarriage, especially spotting or vaginal bleeding, the combination might present a greater cause of concern. Your doctor should be able to determine if you are really having a miscarriage, so be sure to call if you are concerned.

Source:

American Pregnancy Association, "Miscarriage." July 2007. Accessed 22 Jan 2008.

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