Content Library

Miscarriages can be incredibly heartbreaking and relieving — there’s no “right” way to feel. They are also incredibly common and normal.

What are normal symptoms of a miscarriage?

• Heavy bleeding
• Passing small or large clots or some gray or white tissue
• Cramps or abdominal pain
• Back pressure or pain
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Diarrhea

These symptoms can range from minor to severe and could last a few days or weeks.

**** many people pass their miscarriages on their own without medical intervention ****

When is it an emergency?

• If you have very heavy bleeding and soak through more than 2 overnight maxi pads per hour for 2 hours in a row (make sure you are tracking your bleeding by what’s on the maxi-pad and not what’s in the toilet.)
• Running a fever of 101°F or greater
• A really foul smelling discharge + severe pain that isn't better with over the counter pain medications (like tylenol or ibuprofen). These (in addition to a fever) are also signs of infection and should be treated immediately

What do I do if I’m having an emergency?

Go to your OBGYN or the emergency room.

What are my options for treatment during a miscarriage?

1. Watch and wait

Wait for the pregnancy tissue to pass. The uterus will contract on its own and push the pregnancy out.

• Being aware of the potential emergencies + symptoms we listed above.
• Monitor your bleeding with overnight maxi pads
• Take ibuprofen and use a heating pad for cramps
• Monitor your temperature with a thermometer
• Monitor how your body feels and make sure your pregnancy symptoms are going away within a few days.

2. Medication

Doctors can prescribe Mifepristone and misoprostol (the same pills used for a medication abortion) to take at home that induce a miscarriage and empty the uterus. Using misoprostol only is also an effective option for miscarriage management. Read more about the medication process here. If you live in a state where abortion is severely restricted, they may not provide these pills.

3. Procedure

If the pregnancy was less than 12 weeks, a doctor may remove the pregnancy tissue using an in-office procedure, called vacuum aspiration. The cervix is dilated and a gentle suction is used to remove the pregnancy. Typically, sedation can be used to help with pain management. Read more about the procedure here. If you were in the second trimester or later, the procedure would likely be a longer process.

If you live in a state where abortion is severely restricted, you may find physicians hesitate to provide the health care you need.

If you’re not experiencing a medical emergency and just want to get checked out after a miscarriage or abortion, you do not have to go to the emergency room. You’re already in the right place to find trusted medical providers who offer abortions!

We also have a database of providers in heavily restricted states where you can get ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, post abortion care and miscarriage management without fear of judgment or threats. Check out our Advanced Search to find doctors who can assist with miscarriage management.