Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, and you had a pregnancy loss (also called a "miscarriage"). This means your pregnancy ended before you were pregnant for 20 weeks. (A normal pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks.)
As well as bleeding, you might have belly pain and cramping. Your uterus might have fully emptied itself, or you might be waiting for this to happen on its own. Or you might get medicines or surgery to empty your uterus.
Pregnancy loss is common. Most of the time, when a person has a pregnancy loss, it is not because of anything they did.
It's normal to feel sad or anxious or have other emotions after a pregnancy loss. You might feel shock, numbness, emptiness, guilt, fear, confusion, or relief. There is no right or wrong way to feel, and your feelings might change each day. Try to be gentle with yourself. Talking to loved ones or others who have had a pregnancy loss can help.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Get plenty of rest, and let other people help you if possible. When you feel ready, it can help to get physical activity. Even gentle activities, like walking, are good for your health.
●For 2 weeks, do not put anything in your vagina. Avoid vaginal sex. Do not use douches, tampons, or sex toys. This might help lower the risk of infection.
●Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain if needed, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
●If you want to try to get pregnant again, ask your doctor or midwife if you should wait before you start trying. In most cases, it's safe to start trying again as soon as you feel ready. But in some cases, they might suggest waiting. They can also talk to you about whether there are things you can do to lower your chances of having another pregnancy loss.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:
•Are bleeding so much you feel very weak or like you might pass out
•Have signs of infection, like fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills, severe belly or vaginal pain, or bad-smelling vaginal discharge
●Return to the ED if you have:
•Bleeding that soaks more than 2 pads in an hour for longer than 2 hours
•Pain that does not start to improve after you pass pinkish or grayish solid material
When should I call the doctor or midwife? —
Call for advice if:
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher without other symptoms.
●You are still having some minor vaginal bleeding after 2 weeks, or your vaginal bleeding gets worse.
●You feel very sad, anxious, or depressed.
●You feel like you might not be safe at home.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Pregnancy loss (The Basics)
Patient education: Coping after pregnancy loss (The Basics)
Patient education: Repeat pregnancy loss (The Basics)
