Miscarriage

A miscarriage is the loss of a baby before 23 weeks & 6 days of pregnancy.

Symptoms of a miscarriage

  • The main sign of a miscarriage is vaginal bleeding and will often be accompanied by stomach cramps and pain.
  • If you experience bleeding, cramping and lower abdominal pain up to 16 weeks in your pregnancy you should call 111 or attend accident and emergency. After 16 weeks of pregnancy, you should call the triage department at the hospital where you are booked to have your baby.
  • Light bleeding in the first trimester (first 3 months) can be common, it is often referred to as spotting. A small amount of blood when wiping for example does not necessarily mean you are having a miscarriage. Anything more than that, or if your concerned please call 111 and get checked out.

Can miscarriages be prevented?

Most miscarriages could not have been 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.

The NHS website offers more support on miscarriage here  


Stillbirth

When a baby dies after 24 weeks of pregnancy, either before or during birth, it is known as a stillbirth. Sadly, in some cases no cause can be found.

Not all stillbirths can be prevented, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk, such as:

  • Not smoking 
  • Avoiding alcohol and drugs during pregnancy – these can seriously affect your baby's development, and increase the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth
  • After 28 weeks of pregnancy its best to try and lie on your left side when in bed. We now have evidence to show that this improves the blood flow to your baby. Sleeping on your back is not advised as it can reduce the flow of blood and therefore oxygen to the baby.
  • Contacting the triage department where your due to have your baby if you feel your baby’s movements have reduced, slowed down or if there is a change in your pattern of movements. Please don’t wait if you have any concerns about your baby’s movements it’s really important that you act.
  • It’s important for your own health and that of your baby that you attend all your routine antenatal appointments. The midwife is trained to perform observations on you, monitor your baby’s growth and refer you to other services if there are any concerns. She can also give you advise and support with accessing parent education, wellbeing support and general pregnancy related information.
  • Taking folic acid is important in helping to prevent birth defects known as neural tube defects, including spina bifida. Folic acid tablets should be taken before pregnancy and for least the first 3 months.
  • The NHS recommends you have the flu and COVID vaccinations in pregnancy. This can help to stop you getting severe forms of these viruses, which in turn can cause harm to your baby.
  • Caffeine in pregnancy should be limited to no more than 2 cups of coffee a day, or four cups of tea. Maybe try swopping to decaffeinated drinks while you are pregnant!

The NHS website offers support and further information on stillbirths here.

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