What should you know about septic miscarriage?

After a miscarriage, bacteria can infect the uterus, particularly when pregnancy tissue remains. Symptoms may include fever, chills, worsening lower abdominal pain, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, heavy bleeding, dizziness, or feeling markedly unwell. A person may have several symptoms or only some of them.

Clinicians assess your vital signs, abdomen, bleeding, and blood tests. A transvaginal ultrasound may help show whether tissue remains and whether another pregnancy-related problem needs consideration. Infection can spread quickly, so this is not a condition to monitor at home while waiting for a routine appointment.

Go to an emergency department or contact urgent maternity or gynaecology services as soon as septic miscarriage is suspected. Treatment commonly includes antibiotics through a vein, fluids, monitoring, and pain relief. The team may recommend surgical management of miscarriage to empty the uterus, especially when infected tissue remains or the illness is not settling.

Medical management of miscarriage may be considered in selected situations, but infection changes the urgency and treatment plan. Do not use leftover antibiotics, insert anything into the vagina, or drive yourself if you feel faint. Bring a list of medicines and allergies if this does not delay care.

Seek emergency help immediately for fainting, confusion, difficulty breathing, severe or rapidly worsening pain, heavy bleeding, a fast heartbeat with weakness, or a high fever with shaking chills. Ask another adult to stay with you and call emergency services if you cannot travel safely. Prompt treatment helps clinicians control infection and protect your health.

What findings suggest infection? Do I need admission for intravenous antibiotics? Is tissue still inside the uterus? Which treatment will remove it most safely? How will we know the infection is improving, and what follow-up should I arrange after discharge?