Spanish vocabulary · Intermediate
How to Say Miscarriage in Spanish: Aborto Espontáneo
Aborto espontáneo · noun (masculine) · ah-BOHR-toh ehs-pohn-TAH-neh-oh
Miscarriage in Spanish is aborto espontáneo (literally spontaneous abortion), the standard medical term for the involuntary loss of a pregnancy. The euphemistic alternative pérdida (loss) is common in sensitive conversations. It is important to note that aborto alone can refer to either a miscarriage or an induced abortion, so the qualifier espontáneo clarifies the involuntary nature.
ah-BOHR-toh ehs-pohn-TAH-neh-oh — stress on the second syllable of aborto and the third syllable of espontáneo.
El aborto espontáneo es más común en el primer trimestre.
Miscarriage is more common in the first trimester.
Miscarriage in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for miscarriage, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| aborto espontáneo | miscarriage | ah-BOHR-toh ehs-pohn-TAH-neh-oh | Default, widely understood |
| pérdida | miscarriage | euphemistic: loss (of a pregnancy) | |
| aborto natural | miscarriage | alternative medical phrasing |
How Native Speakers Use Aborto espontáneo
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Medical context
La doctora confirmó que fue un aborto espontáneo.
The doctor confirmed it was a miscarriage.
Aborto espontáneo is the standard clinical term used in medical records and consultations.
Sensitive conversation
Sufrió una pérdida en el segundo mes de embarazo.
She experienced a loss in the second month of pregnancy.
Pérdida (loss) is a gentler alternative used in personal and empathetic conversations.
Health information
Un aborto espontáneo puede ocurrir sin síntomas previos.
A miscarriage can occur without prior symptoms.
This phrasing is used in informational health materials.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Aborto espontáneo
Using aborto alone for miscarriage
Incorrect: Ella tuvo un aborto. (meaning miscarriage)
Correct: Ella tuvo un aborto espontáneo.
Aborto without qualification is ambiguous in Spanish — it can mean either miscarriage or induced abortion. Adding espontáneo makes the involuntary nature clear.
Translating as malcarga or malparto
Incorrect: Sufrió un malparto.
Correct: Sufrió un aborto espontáneo / una pérdida.
While malparto existed in older Spanish, it is archaic and no longer used in modern medicine or conversation. Use aborto espontáneo or pérdida.
Lock in Miscarriage Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
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See Aborto espontáneo used by native speakers
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Common Questions About Miscarriage in Spanish
- How do you say miscarriage in Spanish?
- The medical term is aborto espontáneo (spontaneous abortion). In empathetic or informal conversation, pérdida (loss) is often preferred.
- Why does Spanish use aborto for miscarriage?
- In medical Spanish, aborto simply means the termination of a pregnancy regardless of cause. Espontáneo (spontaneous) specifies it was involuntary, while inducido or provocado specifies it was intentional.
- Is there a less clinical way to say miscarriage in Spanish?
- Pérdida (loss) or perder el embarazo (to lose the pregnancy) are gentler alternatives commonly used in personal conversations and support contexts.