Miscarriage: signs, causes and what happens next
Miscarriage is losing a pregnancy before 24 weeks (20 weeks in the US). It happens in about 1 in 8 known pregnancies, mostly in the first 12 weeks, and is usually caused by a chromosome problem in the baby, not by anything the mother did. The main signs are vaginal bleeding and cramping. Bleeding in early pregnancy is common and doesn't always mean miscarriage, but always get it checked.
Key facts
| How common | About 1 in 8 known pregnancies |
|---|---|
| When | Most in the first 12 weeks |
| Main cause | Chromosome problems in the baby |
| Not caused by | Exercise, work, sex, flying or a mild fall |
| Ectopic pregnancy | About 1 in 90 pregnancies: an emergency |
How common is miscarriage?
Signs of miscarriage
- Vaginal bleeding, from light spotting to heavy bleeding with clots
- Cramping or pain in the lower tummy or back
- Fluid or tissue passing from the vagina
- Pregnancy symptoms fading (on its own this isn't a reliable sign)
Some miscarriages have no signs and are found at a scan.
What causes miscarriage?
Most early miscarriages happen because the baby's chromosomes don't develop normally. Risk is higher with age over 35, smoking, alcohol, high caffeine, uncontrolled diabetes or thyroid disease, some infections, and previous miscarriages.
Miscarriage is not caused by exercise, working, lifting at normal levels, sex, flying, eating spicy food, a mild fall, or an argument. It is not your fault.
Ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy grows outside the womb, usually in a fallopian tube. It can't continue and can cause dangerous internal bleeding.
Go to hospital now for pain on one side of your tummy, pain in the tip of your shoulder, feeling faint or dizzy, or pain when you pee or poo, especially with spotting.
What happens next
An early pregnancy unit or your doctor will usually do a scan and sometimes blood tests. If miscarriage is confirmed, options are:
- Waiting for it to happen naturally
- Medicine to help the pregnancy pass
- A small procedure to remove the pregnancy
If you have bleeding and have miscarried before, your doctor may offer progesterone to help prevent another.
Afterwards
Bleeding usually settles within 2 weeks and your period returns in 4 to 6 weeks. You can try again when you feel physically and emotionally ready. After 3 miscarriages in a row, ask for tests.
Looking after yourself
Grief after miscarriage is real, for both partners, whenever it happens. Talk to people you trust, and ask your doctor about support. If you feel overwhelmed or unable to cope, get help.
Frequently asked questions
Can I prevent miscarriage?
Will it happen again?
How soon can I get pregnant again?
Sources
- NHS: Miscarriage
- NICE NG126: Ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage
- ACOG: Early pregnancy loss FAQ
- Tommy's: Miscarriage support
General information, not medical advice. Medical disclaimer · How we review content
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