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Miscarriage

A miscarriage occurs when a pregnancy ends before the 24th week. The exact cause is often unknown.

About 80% of miscarriages happen early, within the first 12 weeks, while late miscarriages occur between 12 and 24 weeks.

Early miscarriages are typically due to random, natural errors during cell division early in pregnancy. These errors happen by chance and prevent the pregnancy from progressing, meaning they cannot be prevented.

What are the signs of a miscarriage?

The most common sign of miscarriage is vaginal bleeding, often accompanied by cramps and pain in the lower abdomen or back, similar to menstrual pain. However, bleeding in early pregnancy is common and usually not indicative of a miscarriage. If you are pregnant and experience bleeding, contact your midwife, GP, or nearest early pregnancy unit for evaluation.

What happens during a miscarriage?

If a miscarriage is confirmed, a clinician will discuss options for managing the end of the pregnancy. Many miscarriages resolve naturally, with the body passing the tissue on its own. Alternatively, you might opt for medical management, which involves taking medication to help pass the tissue, or surgical management, a procedure to remove the tissue.

Will a miscarriage affect my fertility?

Experiencing a miscarriage does not mean you cannot have a baby. Most people who miscarry go on to have successful, full-term pregnancies, and it rarely affects future fertility. However, if you have two or more consecutive miscarriages, consult your doctor. They can refer you to a specialist to identify any underlying causes.

What happens after a miscarriage? What further support is available?

The physical and emotional impact of a miscarriage can be significant, and can be difficult to discuss.

Feelings of sadness, grief, and guilt are common, and you may experience cramping, bleeding, and fatigue. Prioritise your mental and physical well-being by seeking support from family, friends, or mental health professionals. Allow yourself time to grieve and process your emotions.

Physically, wait for all symptoms to subside before resuming sexual activity. Your periods should return within 4–8 weeks, though it may take longer for them to regulate. Fertility can return as soon as two weeks after a miscarriage. If you wish to avoid pregnancy, use contraception immediately, including hormonal options, which are safe to start right after a miscarriage.

Explore contraception options here. 

Seeking support from your GP for counseling or reaching out to specialist organisations can be beneficial. We recommend: