Miscarriage

Miscarriage | NHS inform Home Illnesses and conditions Symptoms and self-help Tests and treatments Healthy living Care, support and rights Scotlands Service Directory 0 Home Illnesses and conditions Pregnancy and childbirth Miscarriage Miscarriage A miscarriage is the loss of your baby before 24 weeks. Early miscarriages happen in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Late miscarriages happen between 12 and 24 weeks. Most of the time theres no clear reason why it happens, but its very unlikely to be caused by anything you did or didnt do. About 1 out of 5 pregnancies miscarry. Since many miscarriages arent recorded the figure might be higher. Always get medical help if: youre bleeding from your vagina youve got strong, cramping pain your waters break your babys movements have changed, or you havent felt them move for a while If youre registered, contact your midwife or local maternity unit. If youre not registered, contact your GP or the NHS 24 111 service. What causes a miscarriage? Doctors think most miscarriages are caused when the building blocks controlling the development of a baby (the chromosomes) arent right. Babies with too many or not enough chromosomes wont develop properly. This leads to a miscarriage. Miscarriages can also be caused by: issues with your placenta cervical weakness  when your cervix (neck of your womb) starts to open 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 theyre pregnant. If this happens it can feel like a late period with heavy bleeding. Symptoms of an early miscarriage You might be having an early miscarriage if: youre bleeding from your vagina youve cramps in your lower abdomen  these can feel like bad period pains theres fluid or tissue coming from your vagina your breasts are no longer tender and any morning sickness has passed Bleeding Having some light bleedings fairly common in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and doesnt necessarily mean youre having a miscarriage. If you start bleeding, you should always contact your GP or midwife and get advice about what to do. What happens during an early miscarriage If youre in the early weeks of pregnancy: youll probably be asked to go to the early pregnancy unit at your local hospital straight away youll have some tests and usually an ultrasound scan your body usually completes the miscarriage naturally Depending on your stage of pregnancy, you may deliver a small baby. That can be a shock and is an understandably upsetting time. Late miscarriages A late miscarriage happens after 12 weeks and before 24 weeks. For many parents who lose their baby after a late miscarriage, the word miscarriage doesnt properly express the impact of their loss. The loss of a baby at any times a terrible shock and a late miscarriage can be especially hard. Symptoms of a late miscarriage You might be having a late miscarriage if: youre bleeding from your vagina  this can be heavy and you might have blood clots youve strong, cramping pains Always get medical help if: youre bleeding your babys movements have changed or you havent felt any movements for a while. your waters break and your babys born very quickly Contact your midwife or local maternity unit if youre registered with them. If youre not registered, contact your GP or phone the NHS 24 111 service. What happens during a late miscarriage If youre later on in pregnancy: you may be asked to go to the maternity ward youll have some tests and usually an ultrasound scan youre likely to go through labour in hospital and might have your labour induced While you deliver your baby youre likely to have heavier bleeding and labour-like pains. Making difficult decisions If youre having a miscarriage, your doctor or midwife will: talk to you about what will happen next help you, and your partner if you have one, decide what youd like to do You may have many difficult decisions to make at this time and will have overwhelming emotions. Take your time. Your midwife or doctor can help, and there are many organisations that can support you, your babys father and your family. Get support from SANDS Get support from SiMBA After a miscarriage Depending on your circumstances and stage of pregnancy, your midwife or doctor may ask if youd like to see or hold your baby. Some parents decide they dont want to see their baby, and others choose not to for faith or cultural reasons. This is a decision only you can make. It can be very hard when youre feeling overwhelmed. Whatever you decide is okay. If youre worried about what your baby looks like, your midwife or doctor can describe them to help you decide. If your symptoms continue Youll probably have some bleeding for a week or two. If you continue to have symptoms after your miscarriage, it may mean that some of the pregnancy tissues still in your womb. Some women may need medicine or a short operation to treat this. If youre worried about seeking treatment, maybe a friend can come with you. Having supports really important at this difficult time. Taking time off work Many women will want to take time off work after having a miscarriage. If you have a miscarriage before the end of the 24th week, youre entitled to: take sick leave any sick pay youd normally qualify for If you lose your baby after the end of the 24th week, youre entitled to: take maternity leave any maternity pay you qualify for Speak to your employer about which choices may be right for you and your family. Working Families has more about your rights at work after a miscarriage Repeated miscarriages Most women go on to have a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby after a miscarriage. But unfortunately, some women have repeated miscarriages. If youve had: 1 or 2 miscarriages  youre not more likely than anyone else to have another one 3 or more miscarriages  your GP can refer you to a specialist to see whether theres a specific cause Source:\r\n                                        Public Health Scotland - Opens in new browser window Last updated: 07 December 2022 How can we improve this page? 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