Miscarriage most commonly happens during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. If you start to bleed heavily you should contact your doctor immediately. Other symptoms can include abdominal pain and backache.

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.

The Miscarriage Association website

What to do

If you bleed or begin to have pains contact the person who is giving you your antenatal care — usually your midwife, doctor 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 doctor if you have concerns. The Miscarriage Association has a helpline (01924 200 799) available from Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.

More useful links

NHS Direct miscarriage information