What should I do after a miscarriage?

If the loss has not yet been medically assessed, contact a maternity or gynaecology service so they can confirm what is happening and exclude causes that require urgent treatment. Symptoms alone cannot always distinguish a completed miscarriage from an ongoing or ectopic pregnancy.

Management may involve waiting for pregnancy tissue to pass, taking medicine to help the uterus empty, or having a procedure. The choice is shaped by bleeding, infection risk, scan findings, previous treatment and what feels acceptable to you.

Follow-up might use symptoms, a home pregnancy test, blood tests or ultrasound. Its purpose is to check that recovery is progressing and identify retained tissue or another diagnosis. Keep the appointment even if bleeding has stopped unless the clinical team cancels it.

Use sanitary pads while bleeding, note whether flow and pain are easing, and take only the pain medicines recommended for you. Fluids, simple meals, sleep and gentle movement can support comfort. Follow personalised guidance before using tampons, swimming, having sex or resuming strenuous exercise.

Arrange company or transport if you are taking strong pain relief or expect heavier cramping. Store your clinic and emergency numbers where they are easy to reach. Grief support can be useful whether distress starts immediately or later; ask for counselling if sleep, daily tasks or relationships are becoming difficult.

Obtain urgent assessment if bleeding is soaking pads rapidly, pain is severe or worsening, you develop fever or offensive discharge, you cannot keep fluids down, or you feel faint or very unwell. Call emergency services for collapse, breathing difficulty, uncontrolled bleeding, shoulder-tip pain or intense one-sided abdominal pain. Do not wait for a scheduled follow-up when these symptoms appear.

Confirm how you will know the miscarriage is complete, who will review test results, and what to do if a pregnancy test stays positive. Ask about your blood group, return to work, contraception, future pregnancy plans and any medicines that should be stopped or continued. Request written instructions if the choices feel difficult to absorb.