Miscarriage: meaning, definitions and examples

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miscarriage

 

[ˈmɪsˌkær.ɪdʒ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical procedure

The spontaneous or induced expulsion of a fetus before it is able to survive independently, typically occurring before the 20th week of gestation.

Synonyms

pregnancy loss, spontaneous abortion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
miscarriage

Casual or general conversations where the loss of a pregnancy is discussed. It is commonly used and understood by most people.

  • She had a miscarriage early in her pregnancy.
  • The couple is grieving due to a recent miscarriage.
spontaneous abortion

Medical or clinical settings where precise terminology is required. It can sound very technical and may not be emotionally considerate.

  • The patient was diagnosed with a spontaneous abortion.
  • Spontaneous abortion occurs in approximately 10-20% of known pregnancies.
pregnancy loss

Sensitive or formal discussions, especially when you want to emphasize compassion and support. It is less medical in tone and more emotionally considerate.

  • The support group was formed to help women dealing with pregnancy loss.
  • Healthcare providers need to be aware of the emotional impact of pregnancy loss.

Examples of usage

  • A miscarriage can be a traumatic experience for a woman.
  • She was devastated by the news of her miscarriage.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A failure, error, or mistake, typically resulting in the loss or destruction of something valuable.

Synonyms

error, failure, mistake.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
miscarriage

This word is typically used in medical contexts to describe the loss of a pregnancy.

  • She suffered a miscarriage early in her pregnancy.
  • The doctor explained the causes of a miscarriage.
failure

This word is used when something does not succeed or does not happen as intended. It can be used in a wide range of scenarios such as completing tasks, business ventures, or life goals.

  • The project ended in failure.
  • He felt like a failure after not getting the promotion.
mistake

This word is used when someone does something wrong unintentionally. It is often less formal and can be used in everyday situations.

  • Leaving the keys in the car was a big mistake.
  • I made a mistake on my math test.
error

Use this when referring to an incorrect action, decision, or calculation. It is often used in technical, academic, or professional settings.

  • There was an error in the data entry.
  • His error cost the company a lot of money.

Examples of usage

  • The team's loss was a miscarriage of justice.
  • The decision to cancel the project was seen as a miscarriage of opportunity.

Interesting Facts

Medical Information

  • This can happen in about 10-20% of known pregnancies, making it more common than many people realize.
  • Genetic issues with the baby are a leading cause, meaning sometimes the baby doesn't develop normally.
  • Hormonal imbalances in the mother may also contribute to a miscarriage.

Psychological Impact

  • Experiencing a miscarriage can lead to grief similar to that of losing a loved one, affecting emotional health.
  • Many women may feel guilt or blame themselves, even though often the cause is beyond their control.
  • Support from friends, family, or counseling can be crucial for those coping with loss.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, miscarriage is often shrouded in silence, leading to feelings of isolation for those affected.
  • Different societies have various rituals and beliefs regarding the loss of a pregnancy, often aimed at fostering healing.
  • Public discussion around miscarriage has been increasing, helping to break taboos and support those who grieve.

Historical Context

  • Historically, pregnancy loss was less understood, and many women had to navigate their grief without support or knowledge.
  • In ancient times, some cultures viewed miscarriages as a sign of displeasure from deities, influencing social practices.
  • Records show varying attitudes toward pregnancy loss throughout history, from stigmatization to compassion.

Support and Awareness

  • There are now dedicated resources and support groups aimed at helping those who have experienced a miscarriage.
  • Raising awareness through social media and community campaigns is helping to destigmatize the topic of pregnancy loss.
  • Many organizations advocate for better practices in hospitals to provide compassionate care for those experiencing loss.

Translations

Translations of the word "miscarriage" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aborto espontâneo

🇮🇳 गर्भपात

🇩🇪 Fehlgeburt

🇮🇩 keguguran

🇺🇦 викидень

🇵🇱 poronienie

🇯🇵 流産 (りゅうざん)

🇫🇷 fausse couche

🇪🇸 aborto espontáneo

🇹🇷 düşük

🇰🇷 유산 (yusan)

🇸🇦 إجهاض

🇨🇿 potrat

🇸🇰 potrat

🇨🇳 流产 (liúchǎn)

🇸🇮 spontani splav

🇮🇸 fósturlát

🇰🇿 түсік

🇬🇪 მუცლის მოშლა

🇦🇿 düşük

🇲🇽 aborto espontáneo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,478, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.