Pain, the other conspicuous symptom of threatened miscarriage, has
not a uniform significance. Since it frequently occurs during the
course of pregnancy in association with a number of conditions, it is
not a reliable sign of danger. Moreover, the susceptibility to pain
varies; thus, of two patients in the same stage of threatened
miscarriage one may suffer intensely, while the other remains
comparatively comfortable.

Typically, the onset of miscarriage is attended by discomfort in the
small of the back, which may be continuous, but more often is
intermittent. If preventive measures are instituted at the outset,
there is hope of relieving the discomfort and averting the
miscarriage; but if the warning goes unheeded, the pain will
gradually shift to the lower part of the abdomen and become more
severe. It often happens that the cramp-like abdominal pain of
threatened miscarriage is confused with that associated with
intestinal indigestion. A simple test will sometimes decide the
question. If due to the latter cause, the discomfort will usually
yield to a teaspoonful of paregoric, whereas it will be without
effect if miscarriage is imminent. Exceptions to this rule are not
uncommon, yet a better one cannot be given; as a physician, even
after considering the technical evidence, may find it impossible to
decide at once whether or not miscarriage is threatened.

No confidence can be placed in many so-called signs of miscarriage,
though implicitly trusted by the laity. Lassitude, depression of
spirits, and general bodily ill-feeling may forecast the interruption
of pregnancy; but more frequently they have no such significance. The
same estimate holds true of other symptoms, including diarrhea and a
persistent inclination to empty the bladder. Nor does fever always