What should you know about early period miscarriage?

Bleeding may be light spotting or heavier flow, sometimes with tissue or fluid and period-like or stronger cramps. Similar symptoms can occur with a pregnancy that is continuing, so symptoms alone cannot confirm a miscarriage. A clinician may ask about your last menstrual period, pregnancy symptoms, pain, and bleeding. A urine or blood pregnancy test and an ultrasound may be used to check the pregnancy location and development. A transvaginal ultrasound gives detailed images of the uterus and may be part of this assessment.

Contact your maternity service, gynaecology team, or an urgent care service for advice. Note when bleeding began, how it changes, whether you pass clots or tissue, and where pain is located. Use a pad so you can observe the flow, and avoid putting anything in the vagina until a clinician advises you. If miscarriage is confirmed, options can include waiting for the pregnancy tissue to pass, medicines, or a procedure; the suitable choice depends on your symptoms, examination, scan, and preferences.

Seek emergency help for severe or one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, marked dizziness, feeling very unwell, or heavy bleeding. These symptoms can signal a complication such as an ectopic pregnancy or significant blood loss. Fever, worsening pain, or foul-smelling discharge also needs prompt review because infection may require treatment.

Ask whether the pregnancy is in the uterus, whether repeat testing or scanning is needed, and which pain relief is suitable. You can also ask how each management option works, what bleeding to expect, and who to contact outside clinic hours.