What is a miscarriage defined as?

A miscarriage, often referred to as a spontaneous abortion, is specifically defined as the loss of a fetus before the 20th week of pregnancy, and it is characterized by certain criteria. The definition provided in the correct choice captures essential elements of this phenomenon by establishing a gestational threshold of less than 20 completed weeks, along with a stipulation regarding fetal weight, which is typically recognized as being less than 400 grams. This aligns with guidelines in obstetric literature and clinical practice that categorize pregnancies based on these parameters.

The criteria emphasize the developmental stage of the fetus at the time of loss, differentiating it from stillbirths or neonatal death, which occur later in pregnancy or after birth, respectively. Understanding this definition is crucial for midwifery practice, as it guides appropriate care and support for individuals experiencing miscarriage and informs how such events are reported and recorded clinically.