What should you know about early miscarriage blood?

Bleeding may appear pink, red or brown and can occur with or without cramps. A miscarriage can present with bleeding and pelvic pain, but bleeding may also happen for other reasons, including changes at the cervix or a pregnancy that needs further assessment. The amount, colour, clots, pain and pregnancy dates help a clinician decide what to do next. A transvaginal ultrasound may be used to check the pregnancy location and development; blood tests may also be considered.

Contact your maternity or gynaecology service and describe when the bleeding began, how quickly pads are filling, whether clots or tissue are present, and where pain is located. Rest if you feel unwell, use pads so the amount is easier to observe, and avoid placing anything in the vagina until you have advice. Do not drive if dizzy or faint. If a miscarriage is confirmed, you may be offered expectant, medical or surgical management according to your symptoms and preferences.

Go to urgent care for heavy bleeding, fainting, marked dizziness, severe or one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, fever, or feeling suddenly very unwell. These signs can indicate significant blood loss or an ectopic pregnancy, which needs prompt treatment. Seek advice even when bleeding is light if you are pregnant, because symptoms cannot establish the cause at home.

What could be causing this bleeding? Do I need a transvaginal ultrasound or blood tests? What symptoms should make me return urgently? If this is a miscarriage, what management choices are suitable? How should I look after myself physically and emotionally afterward?