What are the symptoms of miscarriage?

The symptoms of miscarriage for expectant mothers can be different, being more painful for some while others do not experience any pain at all and do not realise they were pregnancy until a routine scan is performed. The most common symptom of a miscarriage is bleeding from the vagina; it is important to note that light bleeding is very common during the first trimester so this does not necessarily mean you are having a miscarriage. However, if you are concerned then it is always advised to get yourself checked out by a doctor.

Other common symptoms that you should look out for include:

• Abdominal pain
• Vaginal discharge
• Stopping experiencing symptoms of pregnancy, including nausea, sickness, tiredness, changes in appetite and tenderness of the breasts

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, you should arrange to see a doctor; experiencing such symptoms may not necessarily mean you are having a miscarriage but it is always worth being checked over.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek emergency medical help:

• Severe, chronic abdominal pain
• Heavy bleeding from the vagina
• Feeling dizzy and light-headed
• Pain in the shoulder

These symptoms may indicate an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when the egg implants outside of the womb. An ectopic pregnancy is potentially very dangerous because it can cause internal bleeding. However, recognising the symptoms cannot sometimes be enough to prevent a miscarriage and in such cases there is little that the expectant mother can do.