NHS support and advice on miscarriages
What causes a miscarriage?
There are probably many reasons why a miscarriage may happen, although the cause is not usually identified. The majority are not caused by anything the mother has done. It's thought most miscarriages are caused by abnormal chromosomes in the baby. Chromosomes are genetic "building blocks" that guide the development of a baby. If a baby has too many or not enough chromosomes, they will not develop properly. For most women, a miscarriage is a one-off event and they go on to have a successful pregnancy in the future.
Can miscarriages be prevented?
The majority of miscarriages cannot be prevented. But there are some things you can do to reduce the risk of a miscarriage. Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol and using drugs while pregnant. Being a healthy weight before getting pregnant, eating a healthy diet and reducing your risk of infection can also help.
What happens if you think you're having a miscarriage?
If you have the symptoms of a miscarriage, you'll usually be referred to a hospital for tests. In most cases, an ultrasound scan can determine if you're having a miscarriage. When a miscarriage is confirmed, you'll need to talk to your doctor or midwife about the options for the management of the end of the pregnancy. Often the pregnancy tissue will pass out naturally in 1 or 2 weeks. Sometimes medicine to assist the passage of the tissue may be recommended, or you can choose to have minor surgery to remove it if you do not want to wait.
Getting support
Your GP can provide you with support and advice. The following organisations can also help:
The Miscarriage Association is a charity that offers support to people who have lost a baby. They have a helpline (01924 200 799, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm) and an email address (info@miscarriageassociation.org.uk), and can put you in touch with a support volunteer.
Cruse Bereavement Care helps people understand their grief and cope with their loss. They have a helpline (0808 808 1677, Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5pm) and a network of local branches where you can find support.