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Miscarriage

If a pregnancy ends in the first six months it is known as a miscarriage.

Miscarriages are quite common in the first three months and probably one in six clinically recognised pregnancies end in this way. An early miscarriage can be like a period. There may be bleeding and an aching pain in the stomach. With a later miscarriage, bleeding is likely to be accompanied by pains that feel more like labour pains.

What to do

If you bleed or begin to have pains contact the person who is giving you your antenatal care - usually your midwife, GP or hospital. Sometimes the bleeding stops by itself and both you and your baby will be fine. Sometimes the miscarriage will happen and there is nothing anyone can do to stop it. You’ll then have a 'D and C' (dilatation and curettage) where the baby will be removed through the cervix.

Remember that a miscarriage is no-one's fault and even if you have several miscarriages you can go on to have healthy children. Talk to your midwife or GP if you have concerns. The Miscarriage Association has a helpline 01924 200 799 available from Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm.