Is it a miscarriage?

If you have any of the following, do not delay: go to the emergency department or contact emergency services.

• Soaking more than one pad per hour (very heavy bleeding)
• Severe or one‑sided lower abdominal/cramp pain
• Dizziness, fainting, or extreme weakness
• Shoulder pain (especially if accompanied by fainting or low blood pressure)
• Fever or foul‑smelling vaginal discharge

Providing these details at the first assessment helps clinicians decide next steps:

• Date of your last menstrual period and estimated pregnancy week
• Details of the vaginal bleeding: amount (pads per hour), colour, any clots or tissue passed
• Presence and features of lower abdominal pain (severity, one or both sides)
• Any prior ultrasound or beta‑hCG results, if available
• Other symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, fever, or foul smell

Until the cause is clear, clinicians often use the following tests:

• Serial blood tests to monitor beta‑hCG (often repeated after 48 hours) — useful to assess whether a pregnancy is progressing or declining
• Transvaginal ultrasound — to visualise the gestational sac, embryo, or other possible pathology (including ectopic pregnancy)
• If needed, a complete blood count and other blood tests

Which tests are requested will be decided by your clinician.

These are general measures and do not replace medical care. Seek evaluation if symptoms worsen.

• Record bleeding using pads; do not use tampons
• Avoid heavy physical activities and sexual intercourse
• Drink plenty of fluids and rest
• If symptoms are new or getting worse, seek medical care immediately