Miscarriage at around four months of pregnancy

Contact your maternity unit or obstetric service now for guidance. They may assess your observations, examine you, and use ultrasound to check the pregnancy. If a loss is confirmed, the team will explain what happens next and provide pain relief and emotional support.

Pregnancy dating is based on weeks from the last menstrual period and may differ from the everyday phrase 'four months.' At this stage, care depends on the ultrasound findings, whether the cervix has opened, your bleeding and pain, and whether there are signs of infection or ruptured membranes.

If pregnancy loss is confirmed, hospital care may involve allowing labour to progress or using medicines to help the uterus empty. A procedure may sometimes be needed for retained pregnancy tissue, ongoing heavy bleeding, or another clinical concern. The obstetric team should explain each suitable option before treatment.

Use a sanitary pad rather than a tampon so you can observe bleeding, and arrange transport to the maternity service if asked to attend. Take only pain medicine that is suitable for you and pregnancy while the diagnosis remains uncertain.

After a confirmed loss, follow the discharge plan for bleeding, pain relief, testing, and review. Physical recovery and grief do not follow the same timetable. You can request bereavement support and ask how to access your baby's records, keepsakes, or local remembrance options if these matter to you.

Go to emergency care for heavy bleeding, severe or escalating abdominal pain, fainting, marked dizziness, trouble breathing, confusion, or feeling very weak. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or unwell.

Following treatment, urgent review is also needed for fever, chills, worsening pelvic pain, offensive-smelling vaginal discharge, or bleeding that becomes heavier. These features can signal infection, significant blood loss, or tissue remaining in the uterus.

Ask what the ultrasound and examination show, which management options fit your situation, how pain and bleeding will be controlled, and what follow-up confirms that treatment is complete. You may also ask whether examination of the placenta or pregnancy tissue is offered and when any results would be discussed.