The loss of a pregnancy is both physically and emotionally difficult. Several conditions exist that result in the loss of a fetus. Ectopic pregnancy. This type of pregnancy occurs outside the uterus. In some cases, a fertilized egg can attach itself to the cervix, an ovary, or the wall of the fallopian tube (this is most common). It is also known as tubal pregnancy and it can never develop into a healthy pregnancy. If the ectopic pregnancy goes undetected, it may grow until it ruptures, causing dangerous or even fatal internal bleeding. However, most ectopic pregnancies are discovered before they rupture.
Molar pregnancy. In molar pregnancy, the fertilized egg does not develop into an embryo. Instead, it forms a mass of cell tissue like a placenta. Most molar pregnancies are detected when the doctor checks for a fetal heartbeat and finds none. Molar pregnancies can never develop into normal pregnancies.
Miscarriage. This happens when the pregnancy ends in the first 20 weeks. Miscarriage usually occurs because the fetus is not developing normally. Most miscarriages occur in the first trimester. Many women who experience miscarriage are unaware they are pregnant; as many as 50 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage.
Stillbirth. Stillbirth occurs when a fetus dies in the uterus after the 20th week of pregnancy or during delivery. Women in their late 30s or older as well as women with medical problems are at higher risk of having a stillbirth.
