Miscarriage Care in Grand Rapids, MI

What is a miscarriage?

A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation. It happens when a pregnancy stops developing and the pregnancy tissue eventually passes out of the uterus.

In Grand Rapids and across Michigan, miscarriage is a common experience. It is estimated that about 1 in 4 known pregnancies end in miscarriage, and many more may occur so early that they are not recognized as pregnancies.

How miscarriage happens

When a pregnancy stops growing

In most miscarriages, the pregnancy stops developing properly. The body then naturally expels the pregnancy tissue. Common symptoms include:

  • Crampy, period-like pain
  • Vaginal bleeding or spotting
  • Passing clots or tissue

About 75–80% of spontaneous miscarriages occur in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy (the first trimester).

The development of a baby from an egg and sperm is a complex process. If something goes wrong very early—often due to chromosomal abnormalities—the pregnancy may stop growing. Miscarriage is more common in older women because chromosomal problems increase with age.

Another possible cause is that the pregnancy does not implant (embed) properly into the lining of the uterus (womb). When this happens, the uterus will usually expel the non-viable pregnancy.

Bleeding in early pregnancy

Bleeding and cramping in early pregnancy can be very frightening, but it does not always mean you are having a miscarriage. Important points:

  • Early bleeding that does not lead to miscarriage does not harm your baby.
  • If a miscarriage has started, there is no medication or treatment that can stop it.
  • Treatment focuses on:
    • Preventing heavy bleeding and infection
    • Supporting your physical recovery
    • Supporting your emotional wellbeing

If you have any bleeding in early pregnancy in Grand Rapids, contact your OB/GYN, midwife, or primary care provider, or call your local health system nurse line (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health).

When to seek urgent care in Grand Rapids

Go to the nearest emergency department (such as Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital, or Metro Health Hospital) or call 911 if you are pregnant and have:

  • Heavy bleeding (for example, soaking 2 pads per hour or passing golf ball–sized clots)
  • Severe abdominal pain or shoulder pain
  • Dizziness, fainting, or feeling like you might pass out
  • Fever or chills
  • Diarrhea with severe cramping
  • Vaginal discharge that smells unpleasant
  • Pain when you open your bowels (have a bowel movement)

During Michigan’s cold winters, it may be harder to get to care quickly. If roads are icy or conditions are poor and you have severe symptoms, call 911 rather than driving yourself.

Types of miscarriage

Missed miscarriage (missed abortion)

A missed miscarriage happens when the pregnancy has failed, but there has been no bleeding or obvious signs of loss. The pregnancy tissue may remain in the uterus for weeks before bleeding starts.

Missed miscarriage is often suspected when:

  • Pregnancy symptoms (such as nausea or breast tenderness) suddenly decrease or disappear
  • The uterus stops growing as expected

Diagnosis:
A missed miscarriage is diagnosed by ultrasound, usually performed in an OB/GYN office or hospital imaging department in Grand Rapids.

Blighted ovum (anembryonic pregnancy)

A blighted ovum occurs when:

  • A pregnancy sac forms in the uterus
  • But no baby (embryo) develops inside the sac

This is usually discovered on ultrasound, often after some light bleeding or spotting.

Ectopic pregnancy (not a miscarriage, but an emergency)

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the pregnancy implants outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. About 1–2% of pregnancies are ectopic.

Without treatment, an ectopic pregnancy can cause life-threatening internal bleeding and affect future fertility.

Seek immediate emergency care in Grand Rapids if you are pregnant and have:

  • Sudden, severe abdominal pain (often on one side)
  • Shoulder tip pain
  • Dizziness, fainting, or feeling very weak
  • Vaginal bleeding or spotting

Ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed with blood tests and ultrasound, and treated in hospital.

What to expect during a miscarriage

Waiting for tissue to pass

Sometimes, your doctor may recommend a short period of “watch and wait” if it is safe to do so. During this time, you may experience:

  • Increasing crampy pain
  • Bleeding and clots
  • Passing tissue

In many cases, the pain and bleeding ease once most of the pregnancy tissue has passed. However, if bleeding remains heavy or you feel unwell, you may need further treatment.

Medical or surgical treatment

If not all of the pregnancy tissue passes on its own, or if bleeding is heavy, your Grand Rapids provider may recommend:

  • Medication to help your body pass the remaining tissue
  • Surgical management (D&C – dilation and curettage):
    • Performed under light general anesthesia
    • The uterus is gently scraped with a curette (a spoon-shaped instrument)
    • Usually a same-day procedure in a hospital or surgical center
    • A tissue sample is often sent for pathology testing

Most women bleed for 5–10 days after a D&C. Use pads rather than tampons during this time to reduce infection risk.

When to call your doctor after a D&C

Contact your Grand Rapids OB/GYN or return to the emergency department if you experience:

  • Prolonged or very heavy bleeding
  • Large blood clots or strong abdominal pain
  • Fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms
  • Vaginal discharge that smells unusual or unpleasant

Physical recovery after a miscarriage

  • Your ovaries will usually release an egg (ovulate) about 2 weeks after a miscarriage.
  • Your first period typically returns within 4–6 weeks.
  • A follow-up visit with your doctor is usually recommended about 6 weeks after a miscarriage to:
    • Check that your uterus has returned to normal size
    • Review any pathology results
    • Discuss any questions or concerns about future pregnancies

In Grand Rapids, follow-up care is commonly provided through local OB/GYN practices, Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health clinics.

Emotional reactions to miscarriage

There is no “right way” to feel after a miscarriage. You may experience:

  • Sadness or deep grief
  • Emptiness or numbness
  • Anger or frustration
  • Disappointment
  • A sense of isolation, even if the pregnancy was unplanned

Partners may react differently, and each person’s grief process is unique. Hormonal changes after pregnancy loss can also make emotions feel more intense.

Getting support in Grand Rapids

Support can come from:

  • Family and close friends
  • Your partner
  • Your primary care provider or OB/GYN
  • Local counselors or therapists experienced in pregnancy loss
  • Faith communities and local support groups

Local resources to explore:

  • Kent County Health Department – information on women’s health and referrals
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community clinics – support services and mental health referrals
  • Behavioral health services through Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health

If you are experiencing persistent sadness, anxiety, trouble sleeping, or thoughts of self-harm, contact your healthcare provider urgently or go to the nearest emergency department.

Why miscarriages happen

In most cases, a miscarriage is caused by factors outside your control, such as:

  • Chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo
  • Problems with early implantation in the uterus
  • Occasionally, structural or hormonal issues in the uterus or health conditions in the mother

Pathology tests may sometimes be done after a miscarriage, but often no specific cause is found. This can feel frustrating and may lead to feelings of guilt, but medical experts agree:

  • Miscarriage is rarely caused by something the mother did or did not do.
  • Everyday activities such as:
    • Having sex
    • Light exercise
    • Eating normal foods
    • Having one or two alcoholic drinks before you knew you were pregnant
      are very unlikely to cause miscarriage.

Try not to blame yourself. Most women who experience a miscarriage go on to have a healthy pregnancy in the future.

Miscarriage and future pregnancies

Your next period and fertility

  • Your first period usually returns 4–6 weeks after a miscarriage.
  • It is possible to become pregnant again before your first period, so use contraception if you are not ready to try again.
  • Many providers suggest waiting until after your next normal period before trying to conceive, mainly to:
    • Allow your body time to heal
    • Make it easier to date the next pregnancy

There is no medically “perfect” time to try again. Some people need more time to grieve, while others feel ready sooner. Discuss timing with your Grand Rapids provider if you are unsure.

Risk of another miscarriage

  • One miscarriage does not significantly increase your risk of another miscarriage if no specific cause is found.
  • Testing is usually not recommended after one or two miscarriages, because it is unlikely to find a clear cause.
  • If you have had three or more consecutive miscarriages, your doctor may recommend further evaluation, which can include:
    • Blood tests
    • Hormone tests
    • Ultrasound or other imaging of the uterus
    • Referral to a fertility or recurrent pregnancy loss specialist

In Grand Rapids, these evaluations are often available through specialty OB/GYN or fertility clinics associated with major health systems.

Rh negative blood type and miscarriage

If you have an Rh-negative blood type (for example, O-, A-, B-, or AB-), you will usually need an injection of anti-D immunoglobulin after a miscarriage or any pregnancy loss.

  • This helps prevent your immune system from developing antibodies that could affect future pregnancies.
  • Your doctor or hospital team in Grand Rapids will discuss this with you and arrange the injection if needed.

Preparing for a future pregnancy after miscarriage

While most causes of miscarriage cannot be prevented, you can improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy by focusing on overall health. This is especially important in West Michigan, where seasonal changes (cold winters, less sunlight, and indoor living) can affect activity levels and vitamin D levels.

Healthy lifestyle steps

  • Stop smoking (including vaping)
  • Avoid recreational drugs and limit alcohol
  • Maintain a healthy weight within recommended limits
  • Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats
  • Exercise regularly, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week (adjusting for winter weather with indoor options like gyms, home workouts, or mall walking)
  • Manage stress with relaxation techniques, counseling, or support groups
  • Control chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid disease with help from your provider

Take folic acid

All women planning a pregnancy are advised to take folic acid to help prevent certain birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine (neural tube defects).

  • Recommended dose: 0.5 mg (500 micrograms) daily
  • Start at least 1 month before trying to conceive
  • Continue through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy

You can buy folic acid over the counter at pharmacies and grocery stores throughout Grand Rapids.

Where to get help in Grand Rapids, MI

  • In an emergency: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department
  • Your GP / Primary Care Provider – first point of contact for concerns, follow-up, and referrals
  • OB/GYN or midwife – for pregnancy care, miscarriage management, and planning future pregnancies
  • Local health systems:
    • Spectrum Health / Corewell Health OB/GYN clinics
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids women’s health services
    • Metro Health women’s health and OB/GYN
    • Mercy Health women’s services
  • Kent County Health Department – information, referrals, and community health resources
  • Local mental health providers – for grief, anxiety, or depression related to pregnancy loss

Key points about miscarriage in Grand Rapids

  • Many miscarriages happen very early and may go unrecognized.
  • Miscarriage usually occurs because the pregnancy is not developing properly, often due to chromosomal abnormalities.
  • Miscarriage is common in early pregnancy, affecting about 1 in 4 known pregnancies; many people go on to have a healthy baby afterward.
  • Early bleeding does not always mean miscarriage, and bleeding that does not lead to miscarriage does not harm your baby.
  • It is always important to see a health professional in Grand Rapids if you have bleeding or pain in pregnancy, or if you are worried about miscarriage.