Signs Of A Miscarriage

NHS

The most common sign of miscarriage is vaginal bleeding. This can vary from light spotting or brownish discharge to heavy bleeding and bright-red blood or clots. The bleeding may come and go over several days.

However, light vaginal bleeding is relatively common during the first trimester (first 3 months) of pregnancy and does not necessarily mean you're having a miscarriage. If you have vaginal bleeding, contact your GP or maternity team as soon as possible.

If you've had 3 or more miscarriages in a row (recurrent miscarriage) and are worried about your current pregnancy, you can go straight to an early pregnancy unit for an assessment.

Other symptoms of a miscarriage include:

  • cramping and pain in your lower tummy
  • a discharge of fluid from your vagina
  • a discharge of tissue from your vagina
  • no longer experiencing the symptoms of pregnancy, such as feeling sick and breast tenderness

When to seek urgent medical help

Sometimes, miscarriages happen because the pregnancy develops outside the womb. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies are potentially serious as there's a risk you could experience internal bleeding. Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy may include:

  • persistent and severe tummy pain, usually on one side
  • vaginal bleeding or spotting, commonly after the pain has started
  • pain in your shoulder tip
  • diarrhoea and vomiting
  • feeling very faint and lightheaded, and possibly fainting

Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy usually appear between weeks 5 and 14 of the pregnancy. If you experience any of these symptoms, visit your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department immediately. If you're unable to travel, call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Useful resources

This Teachers' Maternity Leave Scheme has been updated to reflect the rules concerning...
EA is committed to ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and with dignity and...
Affected by breast cancer? Join this group to share experiences and ask questions to...
We all have good and bad days but what and when we eat can influence our mood, energy,...
Cancer Focus NI can provide a wide range of presentations to meet the needs of your...
Around one in five women will experience a mental health issue during pregnancy or within...
This programme is a six week training programme for groups of adults and focuses on...
We are delighted to provide this FREE digital toolkit. Designed in partnership with the...
There are a number of health campaigns throughout the year to raise awareness of...
Cancer Focus NI, Keeping Well vans are mobile drop-in units which bring health checks,...
Sometimes when faced with an unplanned or crisis pregnancy it is difficult to discuss it...
This includes: Raising awareness of depression and Aware NI services at a wide range of...
The Menopause Project is an education and research project between Informing Choices NI...
Handle stress and anxiety on the go
Support for breast cancer
Guided meditations
The availability of free period products in public spaces has been increasing owing to...
Learn to manage negative thoughts and look at problems differently
Food diary, exercise tracker and diet coach
Support hub for mothers
Track your treatment and wellbeing
Pregnancy and guidance for after birth
Active 10 is a free and easy to use walking app that tracks your walking and shows you...
It’s an easy to follow programme known the world over, and perfect for those new to...
Guided meditations
Your Mind Plan offers practical ideas and advice to help you boost and maintain your mental wellbeing. Answer the quick 5-question quiz and the Every Mind Matters widget will give you 5 tailored actions to help you feel more in control, improve your sleep, deal with stress and anxiety, and boost your mood – as well as the option to easily swap any actions and to save the whole plan via email.

Articles & Videos

Helplines & Web Chats

Informing Choices NI - Helpline
Royal Osteoporosis Society - Helpline
Macmillan - Forum
Macmillan - Ask an expert
Women's Aid - Forum
Association for Post-Natal Illness Helpline
Women's Aid - Domestic abuse helpline

Upcoming Events