Threatened Miscarriage: Care Instructions

Overview

Some people have light spotting or bleeding during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. In some cases this is normal. Light spotting or bleeding can also be a sign of a possible loss of the pregnancy. This is called a threatened miscarriage. At this point, the doctor or midwife may not be able to tell if your vaginal bleeding is normal or is a sign of a miscarriage.

In early pregnancy, things such as exercise and sex do not cause miscarriage. You may be worried or upset about the possibility of losing your pregnancy. But do not blame yourself. There is no treatment to stop a miscarriage. If you do have a miscarriage, there was nothing you could have done to prevent it. A miscarriage usually means that the pregnancy is not developing normally.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• If you have vaginal bleeding, use pads until you stop bleeding.
• Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for cramps. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Don't use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, unless your doctor or midwife says it's okay.
• Do not have sex until your doctor or midwife says it is okay.
• Get lots of rest over the next several days.
• You may do your normal activities if you feel well enough to do them. But do not do any heavy exercise until your doctor or midwife says it is okay.
• Eat a variety of healthy foods. Choose foods high in iron and vitamin C. Foods rich in iron include red meat, shellfish, eggs, beans, and leafy green vegetables. Foods high in vitamin C include citrus fruits, tomatoes, and broccoli.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and marijuana and other drugs.
• Don’t smoke, vape, or use other tobacco or nicotine products. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor or midwife about quit programs and medicines.
• If you are feeling sad or anxious, talking to family, friends, a counselor, or your doctor or midwife may help. You can also call the Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for support.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You have severe vaginal bleeding. You have soaked through one or more pads in an hour, and the bleeding is not slowing down.
• You have severe pain in your belly or pelvis.
• You have severe dizziness or lightheadedness, or you passed out (lost consciousness).
• You suddenly feel confused or have trouble staying awake.
• You have trouble breathing.
• You feel you cannot stop from hurting yourself or someone else.

Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:

• Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
• Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.

Consider saving these numbers in your phone.

Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.

Contact your doctor or midwife now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have heavy vaginal bleeding. This means that you are soaking through one or more pads in an hour. Or you pass blood clots bigger than an egg.
• You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
• You have new or worse pain in your belly or pelvis.
• You have a fever.
• You have vaginal discharge that smells bad.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or midwife if:

• You do not get better as expected.