The proper spelling of the word "miscarriage" sounds like "mɪsˈkær.ɪdʒ". It is a noun that describes a clinical term used to describe a natural or pathological termination of pregnancy before the twentieth week of pregnancy. The word is often spelled incorrectly as "miscarraige" or "miscarage". The correct spelling can be remembered by breaking the word into its two parts; "mis-" means "badly," and "carriage" refers to carrying something, similar to carrying a baby. Thus, miscarriage refers to the "bad carrying" or termination of a pregnancy.
Miscarriage is a noun that refers to the spontaneous loss of a fetus before it has reached a viable stage in pregnancy, typically occurring within the first 20 weeks. It is known as a miscarriage when the termination of the pregnancy happens naturally, without intentional intervention or medical procedures. Also commonly referred to as a spontaneous abortion, it is characterized by the inability of the fetus to survive and develop outside the womb. While it can occur for various reasons, such as genetic abnormalities or maternal health issues, the exact cause may often remain unclear.
Symptoms of a miscarriage may include vaginal bleeding, severe cramps, and the passing of pregnancy tissues. In some cases, the bleeding might be mild and subside on its own, while in others it can be heavy and require medical attention. A diagnosis of miscarriage is typically made by a healthcare professional through a physical examination, ultrasound, and blood tests.
Emotionally, experiencing a miscarriage can be devastating for those affected, as it often involves the loss of a longed-for pregnancy and the hopes and dreams associated with it. Additionally, it can lead to psychological distress, including feelings of grief, guilt, and sadness. Seeking support from healthcare professionals, loved ones, or support groups can often be helpful for individuals and couples coping with this unfortunate event.
Expulsion of the product of conception during the fourth, fifth, or sixth month of pregnancy; see abortion.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Failure; unfortunate issue of an undertaking; the bringing forth of young before the time; premature birth.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "miscarriage" originated from the Middle English term "miscariage", which was a combination of the prefix "mis-" meaning "wrong" or "bad", and the noun "carriage" derived from the Old French word "carriage" meaning "behavior" or "conduct". Originally, the term "miscarriage" was used to describe improper conduct or morally objectionable behavior. However, over time, its meaning shifted to refer to the premature termination of a pregnancy.