Website of the UK government

Miscarriage

Miscarriage is when your body terminates the pregnancy on its own, before the pregnancy has carried to 24 weeks. They are quite common in the first three months and probably one in six pregnancies ends 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 you should do

If you bleed or begin to have pains, contact the person who is giving you your ante-natal 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. If you miscarry you will have to go to hospital for a 'D and C' (dilatation and curettage) where the baby is 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.

Miscarriage Association helpline

Call 01924 200 799 to speak to someone at the Miscarriage Association helpline. They are available from Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.

• The Miscarriage Association website Opens new window
• Further information about miscarriage from NHS Choices Opens new window

Stillbirth

Stillbirth is when a pregnancy has carried to 24 weeks but the baby dies before it is born. Reasons for a stillbirth are complex and not always understood.

The hours and days after the death of a baby may leave you feeling overwhelmed and shocked. You will have a number of choices and decisions to make after the birth, and your baby will need to be registered. Bereavement counsellors at the hospital will be able to guide you about what to do next.

• Registering or changing a stillbirth record (government, citizens and rights section)

Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society (SANDS)

SANDS has a helpline: 020 7436 5881 10.00 am to 5.00 pm, which offers advice and support to recently bereaved parents.

• Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society (SANDS) website Opens new window