Miscarriage: Understanding Early Pregnancy Loss and Finding Support
What miscarriage is, why it happens, what to expect physically and emotionally, and where to find support.
Before you use this guide: This is general educational information, not an individual medical assessment. We do not identify a clinician reviewer on this page, so please confirm personal health decisions with your doctor, midwife or paediatrician.
Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy in the first half of pregnancy, usually in the first 12 weeks. It is much more common than most people realise, affecting about 10 to 20 in every 100 known pregnancies. If this is happening to you, or has happened, please know that it is not your fault.
Why it happens
Most early miscarriages happen because the baby did not develop in the usual way, often because of a chromosome problem that occurs by chance. Everyday things such as exercise, sex, stress, a fall, lifting or travelling do not cause miscarriage.
Signs to be aware of
- Vaginal bleeding, from light spotting to heavy bleeding
- Cramping or pain in the lower tummy or back
- Passing clots or tissue
- A sudden loss of pregnancy symptoms
Light bleeding in early pregnancy is common and does not always mean a miscarriage, but you should always contact your doctor or early pregnancy unit if you are bleeding.
Get urgent care if
You have very heavy bleeding, soaking through pads quickly, severe pain, pain in the tip of your shoulder, dizziness or fainting, or a fever. These can be signs of heavy blood loss, infection or an ectopic pregnancy, which needs urgent treatment.
What treatment looks like
Your doctor will usually confirm the diagnosis with an ultrasound scan and talk through your options. These may include waiting for the miscarriage to complete naturally, taking medicine to help it pass, or a small procedure. Which is best depends on your health, how far along you are and your preferences.
Physical recovery
- Bleeding can last a week or two and may be heavier than a period.
- Cramps usually ease with rest and pain relief that your doctor recommends.
- Your next period usually arrives within about four to six weeks.
- Contact your doctor if bleeding becomes heavy again, you have a fever or smelly discharge, or your pain gets worse.
Looking after your feelings
Grief after a miscarriage is real, whatever the stage of pregnancy. You may feel sadness, anger, guilt, numbness or all of them in turn. Partners often grieve too, in different ways. Talk about how you feel, take time off if you need it and ask for help. Organisations such as the Miscarriage Association and Tommy's in the UK offer information and support, and your doctor can refer you to counselling.
Trying again
Many people can try again as soon as they feel ready, physically and emotionally. Most people who have had one miscarriage go on to have a healthy pregnancy. If you have had several losses in a row, your doctor can arrange tests to look for treatable causes.
Trusted resources to read next
These public health resources provide additional information. Guidance can vary by country, so prioritise advice from your own care team and local health service.
- NHS: Pregnancy — Pregnancy care, common symptoms, screening and complications.
- NHS: Week-by-week pregnancy guide — Pregnancy development and care by week.
This content is for general information only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and every baby is different. Always talk to your doctor, midwife or paediatrician about your own situation, and seek urgent care if you are worried.