If you're reading this because it's happening to you, we're so sorry. Miscarriage can feel lonely and confusing, and many people don't know what to expect until they're in it. This guide explains what happens, what to watch for and where to turn. Take what you need and leave the rest.
What is a miscarriage?
A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 24 weeks. An early miscarriage happens before 14 weeks, and a late miscarriage between 14 and 23 weeks. Tommy's estimates that 10 to 20% of pregnancies end in early miscarriage, and most happen in the first 12 weeks.
It's not your fault. The cause often isn't known, but it is usually linked to a problem with how the pregnancy develops. Everyday things like working, exercise, sex, lifting, flying or feeling stressed don't cause miscarriage.
Signs of a miscarriage
The main sign is bleeding from the vagina before 24 weeks, which can be anything from light spotting to heavy bleeding. Other signs include cramping and pain in your lower tummy, passing pink, grey or white tissue, or fluid suddenly leaking. Some people have no symptoms at all and only find out at a scan. This is sometimes called a missed or silent miscarriage.
Bleeding in early pregnancy is common and doesn't always mean you are miscarrying, but it should always be checked.
When to get help
Contact your maternity unit or early pregnancy unit if you have bleeding or spotting, mild tummy pain or any unusual discharge. If you're under 20 weeks, an early pregnancy unit may see you. If you can't reach either, call NHS 111.
Call 999 if you have heavy bleeding, severe tummy pain, pain in the tip of your shoulder, or you feel sick, faint or dizzy. These can be signs of an ectopic pregnancy or heavy blood loss, which need urgent care.
However early it happened, a loss is a loss. Your feelings are valid, whatever they are.
What happens next
Your care team will usually do a scan to confirm what is happening. Depending on your situation, you may be offered options: letting the miscarriage happen naturally, medicine to help it along, or a small procedure. Ask as many questions as you need to, and ask what to expect physically, including how long bleeding might last and what pain relief you can take.
Your body. Bleeding and cramps can last for a while afterwards. Your periods will usually come back within a few weeks. You can try for another baby when you feel ready, once your symptoms have gone, and the NHS says most women who have a miscarriage go on to have a successful pregnancy in the future.
Recurrent miscarriage. If you've had 3 or more miscarriages in a row, talk to your GP. They will usually refer you for tests to look for a treatable cause.
Looking after your feelings
Grief after miscarriage can be huge, or it can creep up later. You might feel sadness, numbness, anger, guilt, jealousy of pregnant friends or relief, sometimes all in one day. Partners grieve too, sometimes differently. There's no right way to feel.
- Talk about it, if you want to. With your partner, a friend, or people who've been through it.
- Give yourself time. Take time off work if you can, and let other things go.
- Mark it, if it helps. Some people name their baby, plant something or keep a scan photo or memory box.
- Get support if you're struggling. If low mood or anxiety isn't lifting, talk to your GP. Talking therapies can help.
Your rights
Baby loss certificates. In England, if you lost a baby before 24 weeks, you can request a free baby loss certificate to recognise your loss. You need to be 16 or over and one of the baby's parents. It isn't a legal document, but many parents find it meaningful. Request one on GOV.UK.
Time off work. From April 2027, a new day-one right will give both the pregnant person and their partner up to two weeks' unpaid bereavement leave after a pregnancy loss before 24 weeks. Until then, talk to your employer about compassionate leave or sick leave. If you lose a baby after 24 weeks, you're still entitled to maternity or paternity leave and pay. Our 2026 guide to pregnancy rights explains more.
Where to find support
- Tommy's has information, a wellbeing programme and a midwife-led helpline on 0800 0147 800.
- Miscarriage UK offers support on 0303 003 6464.
- The NHS explains symptoms, treatment and what happens next.
How common is miscarriage?
Very common. Tommy's estimates that 10 to 20% of pregnancies end in early miscarriage, and most happen in the first 12 weeks.
Did I cause my miscarriage?
Almost certainly not. Most miscarriages are linked to a problem with how the pregnancy develops, and everyday things like work, exercise or sex don't cause them.
Can I get time off work after a miscarriage?
From April 2027, both parents will have a day-one right to up to two weeks' unpaid bereavement leave after a pregnancy loss before 24 weeks. Before then, talk to your employer about compassionate or sick leave.
What is a baby loss certificate?
A free certificate parents in England can request to recognise a pregnancy loss before 24 weeks. It isn't a legal document.
Keep reading
- How to support someone after a miscarriage (including your partner)
- The silent struggle: understanding and supporting maternal mental health
- Your rights when you're pregnant in the UK: the 2026 guide
- Look after you: your day-to-day mental health
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you are bleeding or in pain in pregnancy, contact your maternity unit, early pregnancy unit or NHS 111. In an emergency call 999.
If you’re trying to conceive (TTC), you probably know that there are certain foods and nutrients that become especially important once you’re pregnant. But nutrition plays a vital role even when trying to conceive, much like laying a strong foundation before constructing a house.
Certain nutrients create that foundation by supporting egg and sperm health (yes, nutrition matters for both partners), hormone balance and creating a hospitable environment for a fertilized egg to implant. In fact, studies show that certain nutrients can help increase fertility and improve success rates for both natural conception and fertility treatments.
In other words, nutrition is a key player in the TTC journey, but getting the right nutrients in the right quantities can be tricky. That’s where supplements come in. Just as you’d take a multivitamin to fill in nutritional gaps for optimal health, fertility supplements can give you that extra nutrient boost.
Choosing supplements for your fertility journey
When choosing a supplement to support your fertility journey, look for science-backed, high-quality ingredients. Our editors are careful to select and partner with brands that use ingredients that have been clinically studied to support fertility. Eu Natural® (pronounced you) covers all those bases and more. We love knowing that Eu Natural® products contain zero artificial additives, binders, or fillers and are lab-tested to ensure purity and potency.
When choosing a supplement to support your fertility journey, look for science-backed, high-quality ingredients. Our editors are careful to select and partner with brands that use ingredients that have been clinically studied to support fertility. Eu Natural® (pronounced you) covers all those bases and more. We love knowing that Eu Natural® products contain zero artificial additives, binders, or fillers and are lab-tested to ensure purity and potency.
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