If you believe you are having a miscarriage, call your healthcare provider. They will likely want you to come in to be seen and/or can advise you on how to manage your symptoms. In the meantime, rest, use sanitary pads to soak up vaginal bleeding, and take ibuprofen for pain, as needed. If possible, your doctor may recommend saving any fetal tissue you pass, so that it can be tested to determine the cause of the miscarriage. Be sure to reach out to loved ones for emotional support, as well. If you are bleeding excessively and/or are in intense pain, contact your doctor right away or go to the emergency room. Learn more about what to do if you are having a miscarriage. In most cases, though, there is nothing you or your doctors can do to stop a miscarriage. Typically, a first trimester miscarriage is due to chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus that make the pregnancy unviable. This means you did nothing wrong and there was nothing you could do to prevent the miscarriage.
Do I need Rhogam? If you are Rh- then you may need to have a Rhogam shot after your miscarriage or pregnancy loss. This may not be needed if your partner was also Rh- or your baby was Rh-. If this information is not known, Rhogam is usually given. How long will I bleed? Many women will bleed for about the same amount as a period, followed by a longer period of spotting. This spotting can last up to six to eight weeks for some women. Typically you will bleed longer the longer you have been pregnant. How will I know if I have an infection? Signs of infection can include a fever, vaginal discharge with a foul smell, severe pain, and redness around any incisions. What amount of pain and cramping is normal? Cramping is usually confined to a very intense few hours to a couple of days depending on the length of gestation and if you have had medication to help speed the process along or required surgery. Your doctor will give you advice on coping with pain. When will my period return? This too will depend on how long you’ve been pregnant and how your pregnancy ended.
Bleeding with pale, clammy skin, lightheadedness, or an increased heart rateFever over 100 degrees FHeavy bleeding (soaking through two pads per hour for two hours or more)Severe or sudden pain
It can be difficult to tell others about your miscarriage, including your other children. You should expect that some people won’t know what to say to you, which may lead result in them saying things that are hurtful to you. You may also benefit from therapy. Give yourself space, time, and grace as you heal emotionally.
