Approximately 23 million pregnancies result in miscarriage globally each year. Despite its prevalence, miscarriage remains a topic shrouded in taboo. The aftermath of such an experience can be isolating and emotionally distressing for some individuals. Misconceptions surrounding miscarriage only serve to perpetuate the stigma, causing many to unfairly blame themselves for the loss. However, it is important to note that the majority of miscarriages are unavoidable and stem from factors outside of an individual's control. These occurrences are a result of the intricate and delicate nature of the pregnancy process, which necessitates precise coordination between the fertilized egg and the uterus. In reality, out of every three fertilized eggs, only one will develop into a live birth. Therefore, it is crucial to delve deeper into the physiological changes that take place within the body during the initial 12 weeks of pregnancy, a period in which the majority of miscarriages occur. Pregnancy is sustained by a combination of hormones, including progesterone and estrogen produced by the ovaries, as well as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) released by the fertilized egg.Throughout the first half of each menstrual cycle, estrogen levels rise, followed by an increase in progesterone. These hormones communicate with the uterine lining to improve its blood supply and thicken its mucosa, creating an environment suitable for the growth of an early pregnancy. If an unfertilized egg reaches the uterus, these hormone levels naturally decrease, leading to contractions and the shedding of the uterine lining during menstruation. However, if the egg is fertilized, hCG is produced by its outermost layer. This hormone travels to the ovaries, stimulating the continuous release of progesterone and estrogen, which stops menstruation. hCG also attaches to receptors on the uterine lining to prevent rejection of the fertilized cell mass during implantation. This stage is critical, as up to one third of fertilized eggs fail to attach properly, often going unnoticed during a seemingly normal menstrual period. Successful attachment is just the beginning for fertilized eggs, as chromosomal abnormalities can lead to irregular development or halt embryo growth altogether. Despite common misconceptions, factors like stress, exercise, vaccination, or past birth control use rarely cause miscarriages, with the majority being attributed to genetic issues or other health factors beyond an individual's control. Some pregnancy losses may present with minimal physical symptoms, while others may involve a drop in hCG levels, followed by reduced progesterone levels, resulting in bleeding and cramping.In any scenario, there exist three treatment choices— two of which are also utilized for induced abortion procedures, when individuals decide to terminate a pregnancy. The initial option is commonly referred to as the "watch-and-wait" method. An individual waits for pregnancy hormones to decrease further, enabling the pregnancy tissue to be discharged along with the shedding uterine wall. This method is successful up to 90% of the time, but it may involve several weeks of unpredictable pain and bleeding. Some may select the second option, which involves taking the medications mifepristone and misoprostol in sequence. The first medication works hormonally by blocking progesterone receptors, while the second mimics a molecule that induces labor, triggering uterine contractions and causing the cervix to soften and dilate. Following the intake of the second medication, the process typically lasts 1 to 6 hours. It is often safely self-managed and can be carried out discreetly at home. The third potential treatment choice is vacuum aspiration. In this brief five-minute procedure, the healthcare provider numbs the cervix and then employs a thin tube connected to a syringe-like device to extract the pregnancy tissue. The selection of treatment is frequently based on the pregnant individual's medical background, timeline, expectations, and personal preferences, and all three methods have demonstrated to be secure and efficient. Nevertheless, without the medication or vacuum aspiration alternatives, an untreated or incomplete miscarriage can result in life-threatening infections and hemorrhage. Furthermore, since these are the same treatments utilized in induced abortion care, they may be more challenging to obtain and even criminalized in certain regions. Additionally, more than half of the global population does not have reliable access to essential basic healthcare services, such as reproductive health services. Pregnancy holds varying significance for individuals at different stages of life, and experiencing a pregnancy loss can be a profoundly distressing and challenging experience for many. It is crucial that individuals receive compassionate care and support during this trying period, and have access to critical life-saving treatments.