Miscarriage, also called spontaneous abortion or pregnancy loss, at five weeks may often go unnoticed.
When present, symptoms are often nonspecific and may feel like a heavier period, including:
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Pain in the pelvic region
- Lower backache or pressure
- Change in vaginal discharge
Many women do not exhibit any symptoms, especially in the case of early pregnancy loss.
Although spotting may be caused by abortion, it may be a normal sign in early pregnancy. Nonetheless, you must consult your doctor to get the doubt clear.
At times, abortion may be diagnosed after an ultrasound is performed without any symptoms experienced by the woman. Some women may doubt having a miscarriage when they feel that their pregnancy symptoms (breast fullness or tenderness, morning sickness, etc.) are diminishing.
When to contact your doctor
If you think that you are having a miscarriage, you must contact your healthcare provider. If ignored, you may develop complications such as severe blood loss and infections.
You must seek emergency medical care if you experience the following:
What causes a miscarriage at 5 weeks?
Miscarriage most commonly occurs during the first trimester (first 12 weeks of pregnancy) due to the following reasons:
- Genetic abnormalities in the fetus: Chromosomal abnormalities are the most common cause of pregnancy loss during the first trimester. They account for about half of the miscarriages in the first trimester and about 70 percent of all miscarriages occurring before the 20th week of pregnancy.
- Abnormalities in the uterus: Depending on the severity and location, certain abnormalities in the uterus such as an incompetent cervix, fibroids, septa, polyps, or adhesions may result in miscarriage. These conditions may be managed by surgery to prevent any future pregnancy losses.
- Advanced maternal age: The risk of abortion increases in older women (older than 35 years). Data suggests that over one-third of pregnant women who are older than 40 years may have a first-trimester miscarriage. Moreover, advanced maternal age may increase the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.
- Infections: Certain infections may increase the risk of miscarriage such as various bacterial, viral, and protozoal infections such as syphilis, group B strep, zika virus, parvovirus B19, and cytomegalovirus infections.
- Injuries: Severe trauma or injury that directly impacts the uterus may result in a miscarriage, for example, gunshot wounds, assaults, or road traffic accidents. Additionally, certain diagnostic procedures such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling may cause injury and miscarriage.
- Substance abuse: Substance abuse including excessive smoking and alcohol consumption may increase the risk of miscarriage. Using illegal drugs such as cocaine may increase the risk of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes including fetal abnormalities and miscarriage.
- Chronic diseases: Certain chronic diseases in the mother may increase miscarriage risk, which includes uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid diseases, obesity, or heart diseases.
- History of miscarriage: A previous miscarriage may increase the risk of having a subsequent miscarriage. Studies report that women whose mothers had a miscarriage may be more likely to have a miscarriage.
- Exposure to toxins: Environmental pollution and exposure to certain toxic chemicals such as lead, arsenic, and radiation may increase miscarriage risk.
- Immune system disorders: Certain immunological conditions such as lupus may increase the risk of miscarriage.
- Medications: Certain medications such as retinoids, diclofenac, and ibuprofen may increase miscarriage risk.
Does the COVID-19 vaccine increase the risk of miscarriage?
Data, so far, does not suggest any increase in the risk of miscarriage after the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines).
- No adverse effects concerning fertility were observed in people who received COVID-19 vaccines.
- Animal studies have reported that Pfizer-BioNTech, J&J/Janssen, and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines did not cause any harm to pregnant animals or their babies.
Pregnant women are more likely to get a severe form of COVID-19.
The potential risk of COVID-19 vaccines is far outweighed by their proven benefits in pregnant and breastfeeding women. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages pregnant and breastfeeding women and those planning to get pregnant to get their COVID-19 vaccine including booster shots as and when recommended.
Studies report that maternal vaccination may protect babies against COVID-19.
Does caffeine consumption increase miscarriage risk?
Excessive caffeine consumption may increase miscarriage risk, therefore experts recommend limiting caffeine intake to less than 200 mg a day. This amount is roughly equivalent to two cups of coffee.
You must discuss your caffeine intake with your gynecologist, especially if you are at a high risk of miscarriage.
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/early-pregnancy-loss?utm_source=redirect&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=int
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/pregnancy.html
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage-terminology-risk-factors-and-etiology#H3842869006
Top What Does a Miscarriage at 5 Weeks Feel Like Related Articles
What Are the Chances of Successful Pregnancy After Miscarriage?
Your body may require anywhere from a few weeks to over a month to recover from a miscarriage. The pregnancy hormones remain in your blood for up to two months. You should expect to get your period four to six weeks after miscarriage.
16 Early Signs & Symptoms of Pregnancy: Could You Be Pregnant?
What are the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy? Can you know before your missed period? Read about nausea and vomiting (morning sickness), bloating, tender breasts, and more. Explore first trimester symptoms of pregnancy and learn what week pregnancy symptoms start.
Am I Pregnant Quiz
What are early pregnancy symptoms? In some women, symptoms range from a missed period to feeling lightheaded. Others may experience typical "morning sickness" and food cravings. Could you be pregnant? Take the quiz!
Exercise & Pregnancy
Pregnancy exercises and workouts for moms-to-be include Kegel exercises and prenatal yoga. A prenatal workout is an important part of healthy living. Try these safe exercises for pregnancy.
How Do You Know if You Have Had a Miscarriage?
What is a miscarriage, and how do you know if you have had one? Learn the signs of a miscarriage and what to do if you suspect that you might be having a miscarriage.
How Long Does a Miscarriage Last?
A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy within the first 20 weeks of conceiving. It’s also called pregnancy loss or spontaneous abortion. Every miscarriage is different, and the experience varies from person to person.
How to Prevent Miscarriage
While not all miscarriages have known causes, adopting certain habits before and during pregnancy may help prevent miscarriage.
Is It Easier To Get Pregnant After Miscarriage?
A miscarriage is broadly defined as any spontaneous loss of a pregnancy. It may be best to try to get pregnant in three to twelve months after a pregnancy.
Miscarriage
Miscarriage is the medical term for the spontaneous loss of pregnancy from conception to 20 weeks gestation. Risk factors for a woman having a miscarriage include cigarette smoking, older maternal age, radiation exposure, previous miscarriage, maternal weight, illicit drug use, use of NSAIDs, and trauma or anatomical abnormalities to the uterus. There are five classified types of miscarriage: 1) threatened abortion; 2) incomplete abortion; 3) complete abortion; 4) missed abortion; and (5 septic abortion. While there are no specific treatments to stop a miscarriage, a woman's doctor may advise avoiding certain activities, bed rest, etc. If a woman believes she has had a miscarriage, she needs to seek prompt medical attention.
Pregnancy: Multiple Births, Twins, Triplets, and More
Multiple births occur when a woman bears twins, triplets, or even more babies during pregnancy. More multiples are born today thanks to assisted reproductive technology (ART), including in vitro fertilization using fertility drugs. Women carrying multiples often give birth via C-section.
Pregnancy Myths and Facts Quiz
Being pregnant is a delicate time for both mother and baby. Take this pregnancy myths and facts quiz to separate the myths and facts about being pregnant, and learn the truth behind healthy pregnancies!
What Foods Should I Eat During My First Trimester of Pregnancy?
What to know about diet during the first trimester. Learn more about how to protect and fuel your body and baby during this exciting time.
Pregnancy: 7 Common Third Trimester Tests
Testing is often recommended during the third trimester of pregnancy. These tests are designed to ensure the health and safety of both the child and mother. Common tests during the third trimester of a woman's pregnancy include:- group B streptococcus screening,
- electronic fetal heart monitoring,
- nonstress test,
- contraction stress test, and
- a biophysical profile.
Tubal Pregnancy Picture
A pregnancy that is not in the usual place within the uterus but is located in the Fallopian tube. See a picture of Tubal Pregnancy and learn more about the health topic.
What Week Is the Highest Risk of a Miscarriage?
Most miscarriages occur in the first trimester before the 12th week of pregnancy. A miscarriage in the second trimester (between 13 and 19 weeks) happens in 1% to 5% of pregnancies. The risk of a miscarriage decreases by 10% after the pregnancy crosses six weeks.The loss of a baby within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy is called a miscarriage. Most women, especially during early pregnancy, will experience a miscarriage that is similar to heavy periods with slightly more cramping and bleeding than usual. It’s also common to have vaginal bleeding and pass large blood clots up to the size of a lemon.