Miscarriage at eight weeks: what to know

At this stage, passed material can include blood clots, a pregnancy sac and tissue that may be difficult to recognise. People can experience different amounts of bleeding and pain, and some have few outward signs. A photo or description cannot establish whether a pregnancy has ended, whether the pregnancy is in the uterus, or whether tissue remains.

A clinician may recommend pregnancy hormone testing and a Transvaginal Ultrasound. The scan may assess location, development and whether the uterus appears empty; a repeat assessment can be needed when findings are not yet clear.

Contact a pregnancy or urgent-care service for individual advice. Record bleeding, clots, pain, dizziness, fever and the time symptoms started. Use pads, keep hydrated and take only pain relief that has been recommended for you. Do not assume a miscarriage is complete because tissue has passed.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, options can include waiting, Medical Management of Miscarriage or Surgical Management of Miscarriage. The choice depends on your scan, symptoms, medical history and preferences. Follow-up checks whether recovery is progressing and whether further care is needed.

Seek emergency care for heavy bleeding, severe or one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, dizziness, fever, chills or sudden weakness. These symptoms can occur with serious bleeding, infection or an ectopic pregnancy and should not be assessed from an image at home.

Ask whether the pregnancy location and loss are confirmed, whether you need another scan or blood test, what to expect from each management option, how to control pain, and which service to contact overnight or at weekends.