Miscarriage: what to do

A clinician may ask about pregnancy dates, bleeding, cramps and tissue passage. A pregnancy test, blood tests or a Transvaginal Ultrasound can help show whether the pregnancy has ended and whether tissue remains in the uterus. A single scan may not always give a clear answer early on, so follow-up testing can be recommended.

Use sanitary pads so you can observe bleeding, rest when needed, and take only pain relief that your clinician considers suitable. Do not put anything into the vagina while bleeding unless your care team advises otherwise. If tissue passes, ask whether it should be collected for assessment. Your clinician can discuss waiting for the body to complete the process, Medical Management of Miscarriage, or Surgical Management of Miscarriage.

Get urgent medical help for very heavy bleeding, faintness, dizziness, worsening or severe abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, fever, chills, or feeling acutely unwell. These symptoms can signal significant blood loss, infection, or an ectopic pregnancy and should not be judged by bleeding alone.

Ask what confirmed the diagnosis, whether you need repeat blood tests or a scan, which management option fits your situation, how to recognise infection, and when to arrange follow-up care.