Expectant management
This means waiting for the miscarriage to happen on its own and is available to women up to 13 weeks of pregnancy. Some women feel this is the most natural form of managing a miscarriage. There is no medicine provided or any surgical procedures involved.
You will be sent home with information and contact numbers for medical support while you are waiting for the pregnancy to pass. It can take time for the bleeding to start and can continue for up to 3 weeks. This method is successful in 50 out of 100 women (50%).
It is uncertain exactly when the pregnancy will pass and how long you will bleed for and the level of pain involved. Bleeding is likely to be heavier than a normal period and contain clots and you will likely experience strong cramping pain; you will need pain medication.
Sometimes the miscarriage will be incomplete, meaning you may need a medical or surgical procedure.
You may have spotting for up to 2-3 weeks following the miscarriage. For some women light spotting can continue until the next period. You should use sanitary pads as it makes it easier to keep track of your bleeding.
You should start to feel better each day after the pregnancy has passed. Mild abdominal cramping is normal and can be managed with painkillers such as ibuprofen.
Follow up
If you choose expectant management, any pain or bleeding should lessen or stop completely within 7-14 days. This usually means that the miscarriage has finished. If pain and bleeding haven't started within 7-14 days, or is continuing or worsening, this could mean that the miscarriage hasn't begun or hasn't finished. In this case, you should contact us for a check-up appointment.
You will be given a home pregnancy test to take after 3 weeks if the recovery is progressing as expected. If the test is positive you will need to contact us for an appointment.
More information about your recovery below including important warning signs to look out for.
Miscarriage follow-up instructions
You should start to feel better each day after the pregnancy has been passed.
Expectant management
If you choose expectant management, any pain or bleeding should have lessened or stopped completely within the 7-14 days. This usually means that the miscarriage has finished.
If the pain and bleeding haven’t started within the 7-14 days, or are continuing or getting worse, this could mean that the miscarriage hasn’t begun, or that it hasn’t finished.
In this case, you should contact us for a check-up appointment. You will be given a home pregnancy test to take after 3 weeks if your recovery is going as expected. If the test is positive, you will need to contact us for an appointment.
Miscarriage recovery
Most women bleed for around 1-2 weeks after treatment for miscarriage or if they have chosen expectant management. It is best to use sanitary towels during this time. You should expect the bleeding to be like a normal menstrual period, but you may pass some small blood clots. Your bleeding should lessen over time, but you may have some spotting until your next period.
If your bleeding soaks 2 or more sanitary towels per hour for 2 hours in a row, then you should contact the clinic or Aftercare Line urgently for advice. If you cannot call, go to A&E.
Most women experience cramping on and off for about a week after the procedure. Take ibuprofen and paracetamol if needed. These can be bought over the counter without a prescription, from pharmacies, supermarkets and other shops.
There are 2 strengths of ibuprofen tablets - follow the directions for the one you have. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with these medicines and take them as directed.
You can take paracetamol and ibuprofen together if the recommended dose of either medicine alone is not controlling your pain.
If the medicines do not control your pain - call the clinic or Aftercare Line on 0300 333 68 28 (or +44 01789 508 210)
You may experience a variety of emotions regarding the miscarriage and this is normal. You may feel like talking to someone if these feelings remain for a long time. The Miscarriage Association and Relate can provide information about counselling.
If you have any of the below symptoms, you should phone the BPAS clinic where you had your treatment, or the Aftercare Line on 0300 333 68 28 (or +44 1789 508 210) immediately. Alternatively, you should go to A&E.
If you have pregnancy symptoms such as nausea or fatigue, these will go away within a few days of treatment. If you lost a pregnancy after 12 weeks, your breasts may feel firm and tender and leak milk after your procedure. Your breasts will return to normal after 3-4 days of swelling. You will feel more comfortable if you wear a supportive bra and apply cold ice packs to your breasts. Take ibuprofen or paracetamol if necessary for the pain.
Unexpected or unusual symptoms
- heavy bleeding that soaks through 2 sanitary pads an hour for 2 hours or more in a row
- abdominal tenderness, pain or discomfort which is not helped by medication, rest, a hot water bottle or heating pad
- a fever of 38°C or higher
- an unpleasant smelling discharge from your vagina
- no bleeding at all after 24 hours of taking the medication
- a general feeling of being unwell or still feeling pregnant
Bathing
You can have a bath or shower as normal. Take care if you have a bath in the 24 hours after a general anaesthetic - make sure someone is around to keep an eye on you in case you still feel drowsy.
Work and other activities
Most women are fit and well enough to return to normal activities within a day or two. Rest until you feel able to return to your usual routine.
Sex
You may resume sexual activity when you feel ready. You can get pregnant almost immediately following miscarriage, so it is important to use contraception if you do not want to get pregnant.
Travel
It's best not to travel within 24 hours of treatment. If you must travel, make sure you know how to get emergency treatment at your destination in case of complication. Please be aware that, if you are having medical management and choose to travel soon after taking the second medication (misoprostol), you could start to have cramps and bleed heavily whilst you are travelling.
Your next period should come about 4 weeks after miscarriage. If it hasn't or you are concerned, contact us. Remember that any bleeding immediately after treatment is not a period.
Important
Serious complications may have warning signs.
Contact your BPAS clinic or our Aftercare helpline 0300 333 68 28 straight away if you have:
- heavy bleeding that soaks through 2 sanitary pads an hour for 2 hours or more in a row
- abdominal pain or discomfort which is not helped by medication, rest, a hot water bottle or heating pad
- a fever of 38°C or higher
- an unpleasant smelling discharge from your vagina
- no bleeding at all after 24 hours of taking medication (medical management)
How we can help ?
We are an independent healthcare charity which for more than 55 years, has been advocating and caring for women and couples who decide to end a pregnancy.
