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The main symptom of miscarriage is usually vaginal bleeding that happens before 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Signs of bleeding in pregnancy may include:
Other symptoms of a miscarriage can include:
Sometimes you may have no symptoms and you'll only find out you've had a miscarriage at a pregnancy scan. This is called a missed miscarriage.
Vaginal bleeding and tummy pain in pregnancy can be caused by other things and are not always serious.
But if you’re worried you can call your maternity unit (if you have one), or you can call NHS 111.
You’re pregnant and have either:
Call your maternity unit if you have the phone number.
If you’re less than 20 weeks pregnant, an early pregnancy unit may be able to help. You can find how to contact one on your local NHS trust website or in your maternity notes.
If you do not have a maternity unit yet or cannot contact an early pregnancy unit, call NHS 111.
You're pregnant, have vaginal bleeding and:
These can be signs you need immediate treatment.
If doctors think you might be having a miscarriage, you'll be asked some questions about your pregnancy, any previous pregnancies, and your general health.
You may be offered tests to check your pregnancy including:
A miscarriage cannot be stopped once it has started.
You'll usually be offered different options for managing a miscarriage, depending on your symptoms and how many weeks pregnant you are.
If you have a miscarriage during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, your options may include:
If you're having a miscarriage at 14 to 23 weeks, your care team will discuss your options with you.
You may need to give birth. Sometimes labour will start by itself, but if this does not happen you may be given medicines to help start it.
A care team will support you throughout your labour and birth.
Everyone experiences miscarriage differently. You may feel physically better after a few days or weeks, but it can take longer.
After a miscarriage you may:
Sometimes it takes longer to come to terms with what's happened emotionally.
If you're worried about any of your symptoms, contact a GP, NHS 111, or your pregnancy unit, if you have one.
Having a miscarriage can be difficult and upsetting. Support is available.
You may be offered counselling, or you can ask your GP or pregnancy unit.
There are things you can do that may help your recovery after a miscarriage.
rest if you need to
take paracetamol to help with pain
talk to your partner, family or friends about how you feel
do not have sex until your miscarriage symptoms have gone because there's a risk you could get an infection
You can try to get pregnant again when you feel ready, after your symptoms have gone.
After a miscarriage it can take up to 8 weeks before you have a period again. It may take a few months for your periods to go back to what's usual for you.
Most women who've had a miscarriage go on to have a successful pregnancy in the future.
Talk to a GP if you've had 3 or more miscarriages (recurrent miscarriage). You'll usually be referred for tests to find out if there's a cause that can be treated, and you'll be offered support.
It's not always known what causes miscarriage, but it's often because there's a problem with the way the pregnancy develops.
Some things that may increase your chances of having a miscarriage include:
Having a miscarriage can be difficult both physically and emotionally.
Your GP surgery or pregnancy unit can offer you information about counselling and other support services. Support is also available for partners.
You may find it helpful to talk to other people who've experienced miscarriage at a local or online support group.
There are also national charities that can offer information and support.
The Miscarriage Association offers advice and support for anyone affected by the loss of a baby during pregnancy, including a helpline, live chat and support groups.
Tommy's is a national pregnancy and baby charity and offers advice and support for anyone affected by baby loss.
