A miscarriage can occur suddenly or over a number of weeks. The symptoms are usually vaginal bleeding and lower tummy pain. It is important to see your doctor or go to the emergency department if you have signs of a miscarriage. The most common sign of a miscarriage is vaginal bleeding, which can vary from light red or brown spotting to heavy bleeding. If it is very early in the pregnancy, you may think that you have your period. Other signs may include: cramping pain in your lower tummy, which can vary from period-like pain to strong labour-like contractions passing fluid from your vagina passing of blood clots or pregnancy tissue from your vagina