Treatment after miscarriage: what to know

A clinician may first use an examination, pregnancy testing, and imaging to check whether the uterus is empty and whether urgent treatment is needed. A transvaginal ultrasound can provide a close view of the uterus and help guide this assessment.

If you are stable, expectant care allows the body time to pass the tissue naturally. Medical management uses prescribed medicine to encourage this process. Surgical management removes tissue through a procedure. The choice can depend on bleeding, pain, infection concerns, examination findings, your preferences, and whether earlier treatment has worked.

Follow the discharge instructions about medicines, rest, activity, and follow-up testing. Keep track of bleeding, pain, fever, dizziness, and any change in symptoms. Use only pain relief that your clinician considers suitable for you, and ask how to take it.

Arrange the recommended review even if bleeding settles. Follow-up may include an examination, pregnancy test, or scan to confirm that treatment is complete. Emotional recovery can take time; support from a trusted person or a qualified counsellor may help.

Seek urgent medical care for heavy or rapidly increasing bleeding, severe or worsening abdominal pain, faintness, marked weakness, fever, chills, or unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge. These symptoms can indicate significant blood loss, infection, or tissue that has not passed.

Contact your maternity or gynaecology service promptly if symptoms continue, pregnancy tests remain positive when you were told they should have cleared, or you are worried after treatment. Call emergency services for collapse, severe dizziness, or difficulty staying awake.

Ask which treatment is suitable for your symptoms, how you will know it has worked, what bleeding and pain are expected, and when to return for review. You can also ask when it is safe to resume usual activities, how to plan another pregnancy, and where to find emotional support.