What is The Difference Between Miscarriage and Stillbirths

Table of Contents

• What is a Miscarriage?
• Common Causes of Miscarriage
• Symptoms of Miscarriage
• What is a Stillbirth?
• Common Causes of Stillbirth
• Signs of Stillbirth
• Difference Between Miscarriage and Stillbirth
• How to Prevent Miscarriage or Stillbirth?
• When to See a Gynae Doctor?
• Final Thoughts

Pregnancy loss is a sensitive topic that occurs at many different times. There are two different types of pregnancy loss depends on how far along in their pregnancy a woman is when losing her child. Both miscarriage and stillbirth are essentially the same tragic loss of a child through pregnancy; however, they have different definitions depending on when they occur.

Having a greater understanding of the differences between miscarriage and stillbirth will help families to understand the medical advice they receive, as well as their possible reasons for loss, and how to care for future pregnancies.

What is a Miscarriage?

A miscarriage is a pregnancy that has been lost before the completion of its second trimester, i.e., before 20 weeks' gestation. Generally, miscarriages occur most commonly during the first trimester, especially before the end of the first 12 weeks.

Common Causes of Miscarriage:

• Chromosomal or genetic abnormalities

• Hormonal imbalances like low progesterone

• Thyroid disorders

• Uncontrolled diabetes

• Uterine abnormalities

• Infections

• Severe lifestyle risk factors such as smoking, alcohol, and drug use

Symptoms of Miscarriage:

• Vaginal spotting or heavy bleeding

• Abdominal cramps

• Lower back pain

• Passing clots or tissue

• If any of these symptoms occur, a quick medical consultation is necessary.

According to Dr. Sheela Gaur, top Gynaecologist in Gurgaon at Miracles Healthcare, “Any bleeding during pregnancy should never be ignored. While not all bleeding leads to miscarriage, timely examination and ultrasound assessment are essential to protect the mother’s health and understand what is happening.”

What is a Stillbirth?

A stillbirth refers to pregnancy loss after 20 weeks of pregnancy, usually in the second or third trimester. Though less common than miscarriage, it is emotionally devastating.

Stillbirth can occur before labor begins or during labor.

Common Causes of Stillbirth

• Placental problems.

• Umbilical cord complications.

• Severe infections

• High blood pressure or preeclampsia

• Uncontrolled gestational diabetes

• Fetal growth restriction.

• Birth defects.

In some cases, even after complete evaluation, the exact cause may remain unknown.

Signs of Stillbirth

• Decreased or no fetal movements.

• Vaginal bleeding.

• Severe abdominal pain.

• Sudden swelling, headaches, or vision changes.

Regular prenatal checkups are important to detect risk factors early.

Difference Between Miscarriage and Stillbirth

The difference is mainly based on when the pregnancy loss occurs

1. Timing

Miscarriages happen earlier than 20 weeks into a pregnancy and are classified as early pregnancy loss; whereas stillbirths refer to fetal losses occurring after 20 weeks of gestation. The pregnancy is classified based on when the loss occurs (early vs late). Miscarriages also involve an earlier stage of development of the fetus than stillbirths and, therefore, require different medical management.

2. Most Common Period

Miscarriages are most common during the first trimester, especially within the first 12 weeks. Many early losses happen before a woman may even realize she is pregnant.

Stillbirths are more likely to occur during the second or third trimester, with many cases reported in the later months of pregnancy.

3. Primary Causes

Chromosomal or genetic abnormalities are the primary cause of miscarriages because they can prevent the fetus's ability to develop normally. Hormonal imbalances, thyroid dysfunction, poorly controlled diabetes, structural uterine abnormalities, and infections may also play a role in causing miscarriages.

On the other hand, the most common cause of stillborn infants is a placental complication, either abruption or an incomplete placenta. Although these complications often have other contributing factors, such as maternal disease like high blood pressure or gestational diabetes, severe infections, umbilical cord problems, or restriction of the fetus's growth in the womb. In many cases, no specific explanation can be found for a stillbirth.

4. Delivery

If a miscarriage was involved in the pregnancy termination, then the pregnancy tissue will naturally pass away in early weeks or may require medication, or a minor surgery to completely go through with the process of ending that pregnancy safely.

Pregnancies ending in Stillbirth occur after 20 weeks of gestation; therefore, inducing labor will allow for the delivery of the deceased child due to delivery methods that provide proper medical oversight for mothers in recovery.

How to Prevent Miscarriage or Stillbirth?

Not every pregnancy loss can be prevented. However, the likelihood of experiencing complications during pregnancy can be reduced through proper medical care and by making healthy choices in your lifestyle.

1. Attend Regular Prenatal Checkups

Make sure that you visit your gynaecologist for regular prenatal check-ups.

Regular antenatal appointments allow your gynaecologist to track both your baby’s progress and your own health. If you have any complications or develop a complication in your pregnancy, your gynecology doctor can help you with early detection, which will prevent major complications, such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, thyroid disease, and infections. Regular ultrasounds and blood tests help find out warning signs at an early stage.

2. Manage Chronic Conditions

Women with pre-existing medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, PCOS, diabetes, or hypertension should make sure these are well-controlled before conception and throughout pregnancy. Timely medication, regular monitoring, and gynae consultation can help reduce complications

3. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle.

Healthy habits play an important role in supporting a safe pregnancy.

• Ensure that you consume enough iron, folate, calcium, and protein.

• Follow your doctor's advice for taking prenatal vitamins and supplements.

• Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs.

• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

• Participate in safe physical activities approved by your physician.

Good nutrition and controlled weight gain support fetal development and placental function.

4. Monitor Baby’s Movements

Awareness of your fetus’ movement in the third trimester will help you determine if there is a decline in movement. If you notice a significant decrease in fetal movements, let your gynae doctor know right away so that they can intervene if necessary.

5. Stress Reduction & Sleep

Stress management and enough sleep are important to maintain good maternal health. An average amount of stress during the day isn’t necessarily the cause for a pregnancy loss; however, good emotional health will improve the ability to carry a child.

When to See a Gynae Doctor?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience:

• Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy

• Severe abdominal pain

• Sudden decrease in baby movements

• High fever

• Severe swelling or headaches

Early medical care can sometimes prevent complications and protect both mother and baby.

Final Thoughts:

Understanding the difference between miscarriage and stillbirth helps you recognize warning signs early. It encourages timely medical care. It also supports emotional healing and future planning. Not every pregnancy complication can be prevented. But awareness makes a difference. Regular monitoring improves outcomes for both mother and baby. If you are planning a pregnancy, start early consultations, or if you are already expecting, do not miss antenatal visits. Stay in regular touch with your gynecologist. Small steps can protect a precious journey.

If you have concerns about pregnancy complications or need expert guidance, schedule your appointment with a gynae near you at Miracles Healthcare today and take the first step toward safe and informed maternity care.

Miracles Healthcare is a multispeciality hospital in Gurgaon. We have a team of highly experienced female gynecologists who provide comprehensive prenatal care, high-risk pregnancy management, advanced diagnostics, and compassionate support at every stage of your pregnancy.