Do You Need a Referral for Surgical Management of Miscarriage?

Surgical management, also called evacuation of retained products, ERPC, or D&C, is performed by an obstetrics and gynaecology team. A doctor, midwife, early pregnancy service, or emergency clinician may assess you and refer you to the appropriate hospital or surgical unit. The team usually confirms the diagnosis, discusses treatment choices, reviews your medical history and medicines, and explains anaesthesia, consent, recovery, and follow-up.

The exact route depends on where you are seen and whether your situation is planned or urgent. You may not need to arrange a separate referral yourself when the diagnosing service sends the referral directly.

If a clinician has diagnosed the miscarriage and recommended surgery, ask who is making the referral and how the hospital will contact you. Confirm where to attend, whether you need to avoid food or drink before the procedure, which medicines to take, and what support you need for getting home. Tell the team about bleeding, pain, allergies, blood-thinning medicines, and any previous reaction to anaesthesia.

If you have not yet been assessed, contact an early pregnancy service, gynaecology team, or urgent care service for guidance. Do not arrange surgery independently; the team needs to confirm that it is appropriate for you and discuss alternatives.

Seek emergency medical help for heavy bleeding, severe or worsening abdominal pain, fainting, marked dizziness, fever, chills, or feeling very unwell. These symptoms can signal a complication and need prompt assessment, regardless of whether a referral has already been requested. If you are bleeding and feel weak or unsafe travelling alone, ask someone to stay with you and use local emergency services.

Ask: Has the miscarriage been confirmed, and who will refer me? Why is surgery being recommended in my situation? What other options are available? When should I stop eating or drinking? Which symptoms mean I should return urgently? What follow-up will I need, and whom should I contact if bleeding or pain continues?