What You Need to Know About Miscarriage as a Latina
Pregnancy is often filled with hopes, dreams, and excitement for the future. But when those dreams are interrupted by loss, it can be devastating. For many Latinas, miscarriage is a taboo topic we don’t talk about enough, although it affects 1 in 4 women and 1 in 3 Latinas.
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, opening a space to discuss these losses with understanding and compassion. Talking about miscarriage doesn’t take away the pain, but helps us know that no estamos solas.
Here’s what you need to know about miscarriage and how it affects Latinas.
What is miscarriage?
A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy during the first 23 weeks of gestation. It’s something no one expects to go through, yet it’s far more common than we think.
There are many possible reasons for a miscarriage. In most cases, it’s not caused by anything you did or didn’t do. Many times, it’s the body’s natural response to something that couldn’t develop properly.
Most miscarriages are caused by chromosomal changes that guide the baby’s development. When there are too many or too few chromosomes, the pregnancy may not continue. Even though it’s heartbreaking, know that miscarriage is often a one-time event, and many people go on to have healthy pregnancies in the future.
What are the symptoms to look out for?
While there is no way to prevent a miscarriage, there are symptoms you can look out for and call your doctor about. Some people notice vaginal bleeding, cramping, or pain in the lower tummy. Others might not experience any symptoms and find out they’ve miscarried during a routine visit.
If you notice unusual bleeding or pain, reach out to a healthcare provider or the emergency room. Most importantly, ensure that you get the proper care and are treated with compassion.
Remember, a miscarriage is never your fault.
How are Latinas affected?
Miscarriage is more common than most people realize. It’s thought that around 1 in 4 known pregnancies end in miscarriage, and recent studies show 1 in 3 Latinas experience miscarriage. While recurrent miscarriages are rare (three or more in a row), every loss matters.
In our comunidad, conversations around miscarriage are often quiet or kept private. Sometimes people choose to reserve their pain, or families prefer not to discuss the subject because “de esas cosas no se hablan.” But you need to know you’re not alone.
Research shows that Latinas experience miscarriage and pregnancy loss at a similar or even higher rate than other groups. Still, we are less likely to receive emotional support or medical follow-up afterward. Other factors like language barriers, cultural stigma, and lack of access to care can make an already difficult experience even harder.
It’s important to break the silence. Sharing stories, seeking support, and creating safe spaces to talk about miscarriage can help heal not just individuals, but entire families and communities.
Whether it’s lighting a candle, talking to a trusted comadre, or joining a support group, every small act of healing matters.
You’re not alone, amiga.
The most important thing to keep in mind after experiencing a miscarriage is knowing you did nothing wrong. Your body is not broken, and your love for the baby you hoped for will always matter. Healing takes time, and it looks different for everyone.
Reach out for support when you can from your doctor, loved ones, a mental health professional and even your faith community. There are also organizations that offer free or low-cost support in both English and Spanish, such as Postpartum Support International.
In our cultura, we are taught to be strong, to carry on. But strength also means allowing yourself to grieve and rest. You are not alone in this journey, and your story, your corazón, still holds so much light and hope.
