Can you have a miscarriage without knowing?

Yes, it is possible to have a miscarriage and not know it. In fact, about 15-20% of pregnant women experience a miscarriage, and many of these miscarriages occur before the woman even realizes she was pregnant. Miscarriages that happen very early in pregnancy are often called chemical pregnancies. A chemical pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus, but the embryo does not develop properly and is eventually lost. This type of miscarriage usually happens within the first two weeks of pregnancy and can be so mild that the woman may not even realize she is pregnant or had a miscarriage. Some signs and symptoms that can indicate a miscarriage has occurred include the following:

* Vaginal bleeding

* cramping

* abdominal pain

* backache

* nausea

* vomiting

* diarrhea

* a drop in basal body temperature

* mood swings

* fatigue

If you experience any of these signs and symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away to confirm if you have had a miscarriage.