Miscarriage is natural loss of a baby during the first 23 weeks of pregnancy. The majority of miscarriages occur in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and may be mistaken for a late menstrual period. In many cases, there is no obvious cause.
The main symptoms of a miscarriage are heavy bleeding and cramping and pain in the lower abdomen.
After a miscarriage, an examination is carried out to check that all of the contents of the uterus have been expelled.
If so, no further treatment is usually needed.
If some contents remain, medication may be given to cause the remaining tissue to pass out or the tissue may be removed surgically.