Around one in eight known pregnancies ends in miscarriage, most in the first 12 weeks. It’s usually caused by chromosome problems in the pregnancy, not by anything the person did, like exercising, working or having sex.
Imagine noticing bleeding and cramping at eight weeks pregnant. Frightened, you call your early pregnancy service. A scan confirms a miscarriage. The staff explain your options gently, and that it wasn’t your fault. Months later, it’s still that kindness you remember.
Possible signs
- Vaginal bleeding, from spotting to heavy bleeding with clots
- Cramping or pain in the lower tummy or back
- Passing tissue
- Pregnancy symptoms fading
Light bleeding in early pregnancy is common and doesn’t always mean miscarriage. Some miscarriages are only found at a routine scan.
What happens next
Depending on the situation, options may include waiting for the miscarriage to happen naturally, taking medicine to help it along, or a small procedure. Your care team will explain what suits you. Bleeding usually settles over one to two weeks, and periods typically return in four to eight weeks.
But when is it urgent?
Get emergency help for very heavy bleeding (soaking more than two pads an hour), severe pain, dizziness or fainting, fever or foul-smelling discharge, or shoulder-tip pain, which can be a sign of ectopic pregnancy.
Emotional recovery
Grief, guilt, anger and anxiety are all common, for both partners. There’s no “right” way to feel. Pregnancy loss charities, counselling and support groups can help. If you’ve had three or more miscarriages, ask about specialist investigations.
Your next step: If you’re pregnant, save the number for your local early pregnancy unit or maternity service so you know who to call if you have bleeding or pain.
Sources: World Health Organization, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Tommy’s, The Miscarriage Association.
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