The miscarriage symbol in genograms represents a pregnancy loss that occurred before viability. It's depicted as a small filled circle or, in some notation systems, a small triangle. This symbol helps therapists and medical professionals document reproductive history and identify patterns of pregnancy loss across generations.
Small Filled Circle
Standard notation
Small Triangle
Alternative notation
In Context
Connected to parent
Miscarriage: Small filled shape, smaller than person symbols
What is the Genogram Symbol for Miscarriage?
In standard genogram notation, a miscarriage (also called spontaneous abortion in medical terminology) is represented by a small filled circle or small filled triangle. The symbol is intentionally smaller than the standard person symbols (square for male, circle for female) to indicate a pregnancy that did not result in a live birth.
Standard Notation
According to McGoldrick, Gerson, and Petry in "Genograms: Assessment and Treatment" (2020): Miscarriages are shown as small solid symbols. The size differentiation from full-term births is the key visual indicator. Some practitioners add an X through the symbol to emphasize the loss.
Symbol Variations by Notation System
Different genogram traditions use slightly different symbols for miscarriage:
Small Filled Circle
Most common notation. Used when sex of the fetus was unknown or not determined. Appears between or below parent symbols.
Small Filled Triangle
Used in some systems to specifically indicate pregnancy (pointing up). When filled solid, indicates miscarriage or pregnancy loss.
With X Overlay
Some practitioners add an X through the miscarriage symbol for clarity, especially when the diagram contains many symbols.
Gender-Specific (if known)
If the sex was determined (e.g., through genetic testing), a small square (male) or circle (female) may be used, typically with an X through it.
Miscarriage vs. Stillbirth vs. Abortion
It's important to distinguish between different types of pregnancy loss in genograms:
Key Distinctions
Miscarriage (Spontaneous Abortion): Small filled circle - pregnancy loss before 20 weeks
Stillbirth: Full-size symbol with X through it - death after 20 weeks or at birth
Induced Abortion: Small filled circle with X - intentional pregnancy termination
Current Pregnancy: Small triangle (unfilled) - ongoing pregnancy
Clinical Significance
Documenting miscarriages in genograms serves several important clinical purposes:
Reproductive patterns: Multiple miscarriages may indicate genetic or medical conditions that warrant investigation
Grief and loss: Pregnancy loss can have profound psychological impacts that affect family dynamics
Generational patterns: Recurrent miscarriage patterns across generations may suggest hereditary factors
Family dynamics: Miscarriage can affect sibling positions, parental relationships, and subsequent pregnancies
Medical history: Important for genetic counseling and reproductive planning
Therapeutic Considerations
When working with clients on genograms that include miscarriage:
Sensitive Documentation
Pregnancy loss is often a deeply personal topic. When gathering family history, approach questions about miscarriage with care and allow clients to share at their own pace.
Ask open-ended questions: "Were there any pregnancies that didn't result in live births?"
Acknowledge the significance of the loss, even if it occurred decades ago
Include the miscarriage in the genogram if the client wants it documented
Note any names given to the pregnancy if this is meaningful to the family
How to Add Miscarriage in GenogramAI
GenogramAI makes it simple to add miscarriage symbols to your family diagrams:
Steps to Add a Miscarriage Symbol:
1Click on the parent (usually the mother) to select them
2Use the quick-add menu or press A for "Add Child"
3Select "Miscarriage" from the status options
4Optionally add a date or note about the pregnancy
5The symbol automatically appears in the correct position
AI Generation Tip
You can also describe miscarriages in natural language. For example: "The couple had two children and one miscarriage between them." GenogramAI's AI will automatically place the miscarriage symbol in the correct position.
Case Example
Maria (42) and Carlos (45) have been married for 18 years. They have two living children: Elena (16) and Marco (12). Between Elena and Marco, Maria experienced a miscarriage at 14 weeks. The genogram would show:
Carlos (square) and Maria (circle) connected by marriage line
Three vertical lines descending to the children's level
Elena (circle) on the left, small filled circle in the middle, Marco (square) on the right
Birth order preserved: oldest to youngest, left to right
Each miscarriage gets its own symbol. Place them in chronological order from left to right among the children. If multiple miscarriages occurred consecutively, they appear next to each other.
Should I include very early miscarriages?
Include any pregnancy losses that are significant to the family's history or to the client. Very early losses (chemical pregnancies) may or may not be included depending on their significance to the family and the purpose of the genogram.
What if the sex of the miscarried pregnancy was known?
If genetic testing or other means determined the sex, you can use a small square (male) or small circle (female) with an X through it, instead of the generic filled circle.
How do I note the gestational age?
Add a label below or beside the symbol, such as "14 weeks" or "1st trimester." In GenogramAI, you can add this as a note attached to the miscarriage symbol.