What should you know about symptoms of late miscarriage?

Late pregnancy loss can present with bleeding, lower abdominal or back pain, contractions, fluid leaking from the vagina, or tissue passing through the vagina. Some people notice that pregnancy symptoms change, while others have no early warning. These signs can also occur with conditions that do not result in pregnancy loss, including cervical bleeding, infection or threatened labour. Only an examination and appropriate testing can show what is happening. The emotional impact can be profound, and you deserve clear information and support whatever the assessment finds.

Contact your maternity service or go to an emergency department promptly if you have bleeding, pain, fluid loss or reduced fetal movement. Use a pad rather than a tampon, and note the amount, colour and timing of bleeding or fluid. If tissue passes, place it in a clean container if you can do so without delaying care. Avoid driving yourself if you feel faint or unwell. A clinician may use an examination, blood tests or a transvaginal ultrasound to assess the pregnancy and your wellbeing.

Call emergency services for severe or one-sided pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, collapse, breathing difficulty or confusion. Fever, chills, foul-smelling discharge or worsening pain can signal infection and needs urgent assessment. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe; pregnancy bleeding or fluid loss should be discussed promptly, even when pain is mild.

What tests will confirm the pregnancy status and explain the bleeding? What treatment or monitoring do I need today? If pregnancy loss is confirmed, can we discuss medical and surgical management and emotional support? What warning signs should bring me back?