Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
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 early pregnancy. This can be scary. But most of the time, the bleeding stops on its own, and the pregnancy will continue normally. (When a pregnancy ends before 20 weeks, it is called a pregnancy loss or "miscarriage." A normal pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks.)
You might also have belly pain or cramping.
Your regular pregnancy doctor or midwife will monitor your symptoms until 1 of the following things happen:
●Your bleeding stops, and your doctor or midwife has made sure your pregnancy is growing normally.
●You have a pregnancy loss or another problem with your pregnancy. If this happens, your doctor or midwife will talk with you about what to do next.
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 pregnancy doctor or midwife and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment.
●Until the pain and bleeding stops, the doctor or midwife might tell you to:
•Avoid heavy lifting.
•Avoid douches and using tampons.
•Avoid having sex.
•Avoid running and other sports.
●Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
When should I get emergency help?
●Return to the ED if you:
•Have bleeding that soaks more than 1 sanitary pad in an hour for 2 or more hours
•Are bleeding so much you feel very weak or like you might pass out
•Have signs of infection like a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills, severe belly or vaginal pain, or bad-smelling vaginal discharge
When should I call the doctor? —
Be sure to make a follow-up appointment. Also, call for advice if you:
●Have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher without other symptoms
●Have vaginal discharge that looks like pus or is green
●Have worse vaginal bleeding
●Pass pinkish or grayish solid material
●Have pain that does not improve
●Feel very sad, anxious, or depressed
●Have new or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Bleeding in early pregnancy (The Basics)
Patient education: Pregnancy loss (The Basics)
