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Late-term pregnancy loss is one of the most devastating experiences a parent can face. It usually happens when a pregnancy is lost after the first trimester — something that feels not only heartbreaking but often shocking, because the risk of miscarriage drops dramatically after 12 weeks. While late losses are rare, they deeply affect families, both physically and emotionally. Here’s what to know about why late-term loss happens, what the experience is like, and how to support recovery and healing.
And if you’re going through a late-term pregnancy loss right now, we’re so sorry that happened to you, and we’re thinking of you.
What is considered late-term pregnancy loss?
Late-term pregnancy loss usually refers to losing a pregnancy after 14 weeks but before 24 weeks. This window is often called a second-trimester or late miscarriage. If the pregnancy is lost after 24 weeks, it’s typically classified as a stillbirth.
Although miscarriage is much more common in the first trimester (before 12 weeks), losses later in pregnancy do happen — roughly 1–5% of pregnancies end in second-trimester loss. While rare, that doesn’t make them any less real or painful. For many families, the medical terminology can feel cold or clinical. Whether you call it miscarriage, pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or refer to the baby by name, all experiences are valid, and no one should feel pressured to “label” their grief in a particular way.
Can you miscarry in the 3rd trimester?
Loss in the third trimester is possible, but it’s typically called stillbirth, not miscarriage. A stillbirth refers to the death of a baby after 24 weeks of pregnancy.
While rare, stillbirth can happen for a range of reasons, including placental problems (like placental abruption), preeclampsia, infections, cord accidents, or fetal abnormalities. Regular prenatal care and monitoring fetal movements can help detect certain complications early, but not all causes are preventable.
What does a late-term miscarriage feel like?
Physically, a second-trimester miscarriage can resemble labor. You might experience painful contractions, back pain, the rupture of the amniotic sac (your water breaking), or the need for medical procedures like induction or surgery. It’s often (but not always) more intense and medically involved than an early miscarriage.
Emotionally, the shock can be overwhelming. There’s no one way to feel — sadness, anger, guilt, numbness, or even disbelief are all common responses. Many parents describe feeling isolated or unsure where to turn, which is why access to emotional support and compassionate care is so crucial.
How common is a 2nd trimester miscarriage?
Second-trimester miscarriage affects about 2–3% of pregnancies, making it far less common than first-trimester loss. Certain health conditions or pregnancy complications can increase the risk, such as uterine or cervical abnormalities, autoimmune disorders like lupus, chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, or infections.
For people who’ve experienced a second-trimester miscarriage before, doctors may recommend additional monitoring, including cervical length scans or preventive treatments like a cervical stitch (cerclage) in future pregnancies.
What happens after a 2nd trimester miscarriage?
After a second-trimester loss, the body often needs time to recover physically. This can involve delivering the fetus through labor, having an induced delivery, or undergoing a surgical procedure like dilation and evacuation (D&E). Bleeding may continue for up to two weeks, and some people experience their milk coming in, which can be particularly emotionally difficult.
Beyond physical healing, emotional recovery is just as important. Parents may be offered the chance to hold their baby, should they choose — there’s no pressure to do this if you’re not comfortable, however. Grief counseling, bereavement support groups, or online communities can provide connection and comfort during this time.
What are the most common causes of late-term miscarriage?
There’s no single reason why late-term miscarriage happens, and sometimes no cause is found at all. That uncertainty can be one of the hardest things for grieving parents to face.
Some common causes include cervical insufficiency (when the cervix opens too soon), infections like bacterial vaginosis or listeria, placental issues, genetic or chromosomal abnormalities, maternal health conditions such as thyroid disease or clotting disorders, and, very rarely, trauma or serious accidents.
While lifestyle choices like smoking or substance use can increase risk, most late losses are not preventable and are never the parent’s fault.
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Healing after late-term pregnancy loss
Healing after late-term loss is not just about physical recovery. Emotional, mental, and spiritual healing matter just as much. Some families find comfort in creating memories or keepsakes, naming their baby, planting a memorial tree, or holding a private or public ceremony. Others lean on counseling, support groups, or online communities.
It’s also important to watch for signs of physical complications, such as heavy bleeding, fever, or infection, and to attend all follow-up medical appointments. Your healthcare provider can guide you on when it’s safe to resume physical activities or consider trying to conceive again, if and when you’re ready.
Grief is not linear, and healing doesn’t have a deadline. It’s okay to take your time, lean on loved ones, and ask for help when you need it.
You are not alone
Late-term pregnancy loss can shatter hearts and lives — but you are not alone in this. Many people and families walk this painful path, and while no one experience is exactly the same, there’s a shared understanding that can bring comfort and support. Whether you’re facing loss right now, worried about future pregnancies, or just looking for answers, there are people, resources, and communities ready to help.
Tassia O'Callaghan is an experienced content writer and strategist, having written about a vast range of topics from chemical regulations to parenting, for brands like Peanut App Ltd, Scary Mommy, Tally Workspace, and Fertility Mapper. She's an advocate for realistic sustainable living, supporting small businesses (author of A-Z of Marketing for Small Businesses), and equity across all walks of life. Follow her on LinkedIn or TikTok, or see more of her work on Authory or her website.