October marks miscarriage awarness month

(WJBK) - A miscarriage is a loss that can be so isolating. October is the month to share that difficult conversation and raise awareness.

It may seem like the number of miscarriages is on the rise, but Cleveland Clinic women's health care Dr. Selena Zanotti says the high percentage is due to pregnancy tests becoming so advanced that more women are learning they are pregnant earlier than ever before.

She says most miscarriages happen before a woman is ten weeks pregnant.

"The estimated rate is anywhere from like 8 to 20 percent, but it's actually a lot more. You know, some studies that have really looked at early pregnancies have found that it can be up to 40 or 50 percent of those early pregnancies that may end in a miscarriage before implantation happens," she says.

And they are often due to a genetic abnormality that prevents the pregnancy from continuing. Age and chronic conditions can also contribute to miscarriage risk.

Dr. Zanotti says recent studies show couples who want to try again don't need to wait. The most important factor is making sure they are emotionally ready to try again.

"I think the most important thing is that a couple is ready to try again. You know, no matter how early a miscarriage is, it's a loss and every couple takes a little bit different time to grieve through that and be ready to proceed," she says.

Dr. Zanotti says many couples find it helpful to talk to friends and family about their miscarriage.

October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month, which includes miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS and the death of a newborn. The hope is that families continue to share, grieve and remember together.