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Miscarriage: A Complete Guide

Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 24 weeks. It's heartbreaking but unfortunately common. This guide is written with compassion to help you understand what's happening and where to get support.

Table of Contents

  1. How Common Is Miscarriage?
  2. Signs of Miscarriage
  3. What Causes Miscarriage?
  4. Types of Miscarriage
  5. What to Do If You Think You're Miscarrying
  6. After a Miscarriage
  7. Getting Support

How Common Is Miscarriage?

Miscarriage affects approximately 1 in 4 pregnancies. The risk decreases as pregnancy progresses: at 6 weeks, the risk is about 10%; by 9 weeks, it drops to about 3%; by 12 weeks, it's less than 2%. Once a heartbeat is seen on ultrasound, miscarriage risk drops significantly.

Signs of Miscarriage

The main signs are: vaginal bleeding (especially bright red or heavy); abdominal cramping; passing clots or tissue; loss of pregnancy symptoms. However, many women experience bleeding and go on to have healthy pregnancies.

What Causes Miscarriage?

Most miscarriages are caused by chromosomal abnormalities in the baby - not by anything the mother did or didn't do. Other causes can include: blood clotting disorders; hormonal problems; immune conditions; structural problems with the uterus.

Types of Miscarriage

Types include: threatened miscarriage (bleeding but pregnancy continues); missed miscarriage (baby has died but no symptoms); incomplete miscarriage (some tissue remains); complete miscarriage (all tissue has passed); blighted ovum (empty sac).

What to Do If You Think You're Miscarrying

Call your GP or midwife, or go to your local Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU). They'll arrange an ultrasound to check the baby. Don't go to A&E unless bleeding is very heavy or you're in severe pain.

After a Miscarriage

Physical recovery usually takes 1-2 weeks. Emotional recovery takes longer. You can try again when you feel ready - there's no need to wait. Most women who have one miscarriage go on to have successful pregnancies.

Getting Support

Support is available from: The Miscarriage Association (miscarriageassociation.org.uk); Tommy's (tommys.org); Sands (sands.org.uk); your GP and midwife. Don't go through this alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

### Will I definitely miscarry if I'm bleeding?

No. Up to 25% of women experience bleeding in early pregnancy, and many go on to have healthy babies. Contact your GP or EPU for an ultrasound to check.

When can I try again after a miscarriage?

Physically, you can try again after your next period. Emotionally, wait until you feel ready. There's no medical reason to wait, and most women who conceive after miscarriage have successful pregnancies.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Last reviewed: June 2026

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