Miscarriage at 14 weeks: do you have to deliver?

A clinician usually confirms what is happening with an examination and ultrasound. At this stage, cramping and bleeding can be heavier than in a very early loss, and the cervix may open as the pregnancy tissue passes. The placenta and other tissue may need to pass as well. Your care team can explain what to expect physically and offer emotional support.

A transvaginal ultrasound can help assess the uterus and whether tissue remains. If you are unsure whether the pregnancy has ended, seek assessment rather than relying on bleeding alone.

Contact an obstetric or emergency service promptly for assessment, especially if bleeding or pain has started. Bring information about your pregnancy, medicines, blood group if known, and any allergies. Treatment may be expectant care, medicine to help the uterus empty, or a surgical procedure. Ask how each option affects monitoring, pain relief, and follow-up.

Use pads so you can observe bleeding, rest, drink fluids, and avoid putting anything in the vagina until a clinician advises that it is safe. Do not take medicines for pain or bleeding unless the treating team has advised you what to use.

Go to emergency care for heavy or rapidly increasing bleeding, faintness, severe or one-sided pain, fever, chills, confusion, or feeling very unwell. Seek prompt review for foul-smelling discharge or pain that is worsening. These signs can indicate significant blood loss, infection, or another pregnancy-related emergency.

Ask how the diagnosis was confirmed, whether tissue remains, which management options are suitable, what pain relief is available, and when follow-up will occur. You can read about [Transvaginal Ultrasound](/treatments/diagnostics-and-imaging/transvaginal-ultrasound/), [Surgical Management of Miscarriage](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/surgical-management-of-miscarriage/), and [Medical Management of Miscarriage](/treatments/medical-gynaecology/medical-management-of-miscarriage/).