Completed Spontaneous Miscarriage

Completed miscarriage means that the embryo or fetus, placenta, and other tissues are passed out of the uterus with bleeding.

It's important to know that you did not cause this to happen. Miscarriage is very common. About 1 or 2 out of every 10 clinically recognized pregnancies end this way. Miscarriage usually takes place in the first 13 weeks after conception. It may happen before you know you are pregnant. It may happen for many reasons. Often the cause is not known.

Miscarriage is not your fault. It didn't happen because you did something wrong. Sex or exercise does not cause a miscarriage. These activities are safe unless your doctor tells you to stop. Even a minor fall won't cause a miscarriage.

It appears that your miscarriage is complete. This means that all tissue from the pregnancy should have passed out of your uterus. If some of the pregnancy tissue is still in your uterus, you will have more cramping and bleeding. The bleeding can be light spotting or like a period. It's usually not heavy. You may also pass some tissue.

After you have recovered, you should be able to get pregnant again. Before trying, talk with your doctor.

After you go home:

• You may not feel well for a few days. Your body is going through changes. You will have mood swings.
• You may have some cramping and bleeding, but it shouldn't be severe.
• When you are ready, you can start to go back to your normal routine.

Until the bleeding stops fully, to prevent infection:

• Don't have sex until your doctor says it's okay.
• Don't use tampons. Use pads instead.
• Don't use douche.

Having a miscarriage is stressful and upsetting. It's natural to feel sadness or grief. Partners grieve too. It may help to talk about your feelings with family, friends, a counselor, or spiritual advisor.

See your doctor in 1 to 2 weeks for a checkup. If you had an ultrasound, a radiologist will look at it. You will be told of any results that may affect your care.

If you have cramping and bleeding for more than a few days, contact your doctor. You will need another exam. Your doctor might need to take out the tissue with surgery. This is to prevent infection in your uterus. Or you may be given medicine to take at home. This will help the rest of the tissue come out of your body.

Call 911 if you have any of these:

• Severe pain and very heavy bleeding
• Severe lightheadedness, passing out, or fainting
• Fast heart rate
• Trouble breathing
• Confusion
• Trouble waking up

Contact your doctor right away if you have any of these:

• Heavy bleeding that soaks 1 pad an hour over 3 hours
• Bleeding that doesn't stop after 10 days
• Fluid from your vagina that smells bad
• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• Pain in your lower belly (abdomen) that gets worse
• Weakness or dizziness