Miscarriage
Miscarriage
A miscarriage means losing a pregnancy before 24 weeks.
It happens in about 1 in 5 pregnancies. Since many aren't recorded, the real number could be higher.
For many people who go through a pregnancy or baby loss, the word "miscarriage" doesn't fully capture what they've been through.
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
Emergency Warning Signs
Phone 999 or go to A&E if:
You’re pregnant and you:
- have sharp, sudden and intense stomach pains
- feel very dizzy or faint
- feel very sick
- look very pale
- have vaginal bleeding or spotting, commonly after the pain has started
- have pain in your shoulder tip
- have diarrhoea and are vomiting
Get medical help if you’re pregnant and:
- you’re bleeding from your vagina
- you’ve got strong, cramping pain
- your waters break
- you have started to feel your baby move (usually this is from about 16-24 weeks) and the movements have slowed down or stopped
Before 12 weeks, contact your GP or your local early pregnancy unit. If your GP is closed, phone 111.
12 weeks or after, contact your local maternity service. If you’re not registered with the maternity service, contact your GP or NHS 24 on 111.
Early miscarriages
An early miscarriage happens in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Most women who miscarry do so in the first 12 weeks of their pregnancy.
Many women have a miscarriage before they even know they’re pregnant. If this happens it can feel like a late period with heavy bleeding.
Read more about early miscarriages
Late miscarriages
A late miscarriage happens after 12 weeks and before 24 weeks.
Read more about late miscarriages
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Phone 999 or go to A&E if:
You’re pregnant and you:
- have sharp, sudden and intense stomach pains
- feel very dizzy or faint
- feel very sick
- look very pale
- have vaginal bleeding or spotting, commonly after the pain has started
- have pain in your shoulder tip
- have diarrhoea and are vomiting
Get medical help if you’re pregnant and:
- you’re bleeding from your vagina
- you’ve got strong, cramping pain
- your waters break
- you have started to feel your baby move (usually this is from about 16-24 weeks) and the movements have slowed down or stopped
Before 12 weeks, contact your GP or your local early pregnancy unit. If your GP is closed, phone 111.
12 weeks or after, contact your local maternity service. If you’re not registered with the maternity service, contact your GP or NHS 24 on 111.
Early miscarriages
An early miscarriage happens in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Most women who miscarry do so in the first 12 weeks of their pregnancy.
Many women have a miscarriage before they even know they’re pregnant. If this happens it can feel like a late period with heavy bleeding.
Read more about early miscarriages
Late miscarriages
A late miscarriage happens after 12 weeks and before 24 weeks.
Read more about late miscarriages
Causes
What causes a miscarriage?
Most of the time, there is no clear reason why a miscarriage happens. It is unlikely to be caused by anything you did or did not do.
Read more about the causes of a miscarriage
Making difficult decisions
If you are having a miscarriage, your doctor, nurse or midwife will:
- talk to you about what will happen next
- help you, and your partner if you have one, decide what you would like to do
You may have difficult decisions to make at this time, and your emotions may feel overwhelming. Take your time. Your doctor, nurse or midwife can help, and there are also organisations that can support you and your family.
Read more about getting support after a miscarriage
After a miscarriage
Depending on your circumstances and stage of pregnancy, you may be able to see or hold your baby. The doctor, nurse or midwife treating you will discuss this with you.
Some parents decide they do not want to see their baby. Others choose not to for faith or cultural reasons. This is a decision only you can make, and it can be very hard when you are feeling overwhelmed. Whatever you decide is okay.
If you are worried about what your baby looks like, your doctor or midwife can describe them to help you decide.
Physical wellbeing after a miscarriage
After a miscarriage, it is likely you will have some bleeding for a week or two. Some people continue to have other symptoms as well as bleeding after a miscarriage. This can mean that some of the pregnancy tissue is still in your uterus (womb), and you may need medicine or a short operation to treat this.
If you are worried about seeking treatment, ask a family member or friend to come with you. Having support is important at this difficult time.
Read more about supporting someone who has lost a baby
Working after a miscarriage
You may wish to take time off work after a miscarriage. The time you take off is a personal decision and may depend on:
- how far along your pregnancy was before you miscarried
- the policies of your workplace
Read more about working after a miscarriage
Recurrent miscarriages
Most people go on to have a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby after a miscarriage, but unfortunately, some people have repeated miscarriages.
If you have had 1 or 2 miscarriages, you are no more likely than anyone else to have another miscarriage. But if you have had 3 or more miscarriages, you may wish to speak to your doctor, nurse or midwife for further advice.
Read more about recurrent miscarriages
Read more about the patient charter
Do not include personal information such as your name, location or any personal health conditions.