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Fertility Glossary

Miscarriage

Pregnancy loss before 20 weeks.

Pregnancy loss

Around one in five recognised pregnancies ends in miscarriage, most often because of a chromosomal error in the embryo that could not have been prevented. Management may be expectant, medical or surgical, and all are safe options discussed with you. Grief after miscarriage is real and support is available regardless of how early the loss occurred.

Also known as: early pregnancy loss, spontaneous abortion

Planning tools

Sources

  • Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ranzcog.edu.au)
  • Pregnancy, Birth and Baby (pregnancybirthbaby.org.au)

Last reviewed: 10 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only โ€” always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

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