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What is pregnancy loss?

Pregnancy loss is when a pregnancy ends naturally before the baby can survive outside the womb. When it happens before 20 weeks of pregnancy, it is also called a miscarriage.

Early pregnancy loss happens in the first trimester of pregnancy (up to 12 weeks). It is the most common type of miscarriage and may happen because of a problem with the baby's development.

Pregnancy loss after 20 weeks of pregnancy is called 'stillbirth'. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as health issues affecting the birth parent, infections, pregnancy complications, birth differences or issues with the placenta or cord.

Pregnancy loss is common. Up to 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage before 14 weeks of pregnancy. Some people may experience more than one loss.

Types of miscarriage

People can experience miscarriage in different ways. Some people have bleeding that tells them their pregnancy has ended. Other people only find out when they have a routine ultrasound that shows the pregnancy loss.

After a miscarriage, you may need medical treatment to help the pregnancy pass out of your body.

Check what to do if you think you may be having a miscarriage.

What are the emotional effects of pregnancy loss?

Pregnancy loss can cause strong feelings. These feelings are normal and may feel overwhelming.

Different people experience different emotions, which may include:

• shock and confusion
• numbness and emptiness
• grief and sadness
• guilt
• anxiety and fear
• loneliness and isolation
• anger

There is no right or wrong way to feel. Your feelings may change over time. You may have cultural beliefs about pregnancy loss that affect how you feel.

Some people find it helpful to seek counselling.

Partner grief

Experiencing pregnancy loss can be challenging for both you and your partner, though you may grieve in different ways.

Sometimes, the partner who didn't carry the baby might ignore their feelings at first, believing that their role is to support their partner. They may feel sad or anxious later while planning for another baby.

Some partners feel that they don't get enough support from loved ones or from the healthcare team. Help is available.

Counselling may be helpful, either as a couple or on your own. Supporting each other and respecting how each other feels can make it easier to heal.

Supporting older siblings

Remember that children grieve and deal with loss too. Older siblings may need help understanding what happened.

Be honest with your children and explain the loss in an age-appropriate way. Try to answer their questions openly and encourage them to express themselves through drawing or play. Respect their comfort level and don't force them to join in discussions or rituals if they choose not to.

Family counselling can also help you talk through these emotions with your children. Contact Kids Helpline if you are a young person and you need a safe space to chat.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

What are the physical effects of pregnancy loss?

It's normal to have vaginal bleeding after a pregnancy loss, ranging from light spotting to heavier bleeding with clots. Bleeding usually gets lighter with time and stops within about 2 weeks.

You may also feel some cramping pain in your abdomen (tummy).

Symptoms of pregnancy, such as nausea or breast tenderness, will go away.

Find out more about what happens after a miscarriage.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

What may cause pregnancy loss?

In most cases, pregnancy loss isn't caused by anything you did or didn't do. Sometimes, a miscarriage may happen because:

• the developing baby isn't forming normally
• there is a genetic cause
• you have a medical problem, such as diabetes
• your uterus has a different shape

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

How do I look after myself after pregnancy loss?

Here are some tips to help you through this time:

• Get plenty of rest and give yourself time to heal — you may want to take some time off work, if you can.
• Acknowledge your feelings — it's okay to feel sad, angry or numb.
• Remember that it's not your fault.
• You may want to try mindfulness strategies if you feel anxious.
• Talk to a close family member or a friend about what you're going through.

There's no right or wrong way to grieve. Be patient with yourself and ask for support if you need it.

Getting support

It may help to talk to loved ones or other people who have experienced pregnancy loss. You can also talk to your doctor or midwife.

If your strong feelings last for a long time or you think you might have depression, it's important to reach out for help. If you're finding it hard to cope, reach out to a counsellor, psychologist or other mental health support service.

If you live in a rural or remote area, ask your doctor or midwife how you can access counselling. For advice and to get connected to local mental health services, call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212. Check the operating times.

If you need time off work after a pregnancy loss, speak with your employer — Australian law provides leave entitlements in certain situations.

When can I try for another baby?

The time it takes to feel ready for another pregnancy can vary from person to person. Most people who experience a pregnancy loss go on to have a healthy pregnancy in the future.

Your doctor can advise you on your physical recovery from pregnancy loss, and when you can start to try for another baby. Often, it's safe to try after 1 or 2 menstrual cycles — as long as you feel mentally and emotionally ready.

If you don't feel ready for another pregnancy, talk to your doctor about contraception.

Many people feel anxious during a pregnancy that follows a miscarriage. Talk about your feelings with your doctor or midwife or see a psychologist.

Resources and support

There are many support groups that provide online and telephone support services, making them accessible to individuals and families throughout Australia, including in rural and remote areas.

Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) offers information for people affected by pregnancy loss on topics including:

• coping with pregnancy loss
• coping after miscarriage
• coping after a stillbirth

If you are looking for more information, there are factsheets available:

• The Royal Women's Hospital Melbourne provides a pamphlet about what happens after a miscarriage.
• HealthyWA offers information on physical and emotional recovery after pregnancy loss.

If you are looking for support, call or visit one of these groups:

• Red Nose Grief and Loss provides support for people affected by pregnancy loss — call 1300 308 307.
• The Pink Elephants Support Network helps people who have experienced a miscarriage.
• Grief Australia provides counselling and support for people grieving any type of loss.
• If you feel depressed or anxious, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 to speak with a counsellor.
• Visit Kids Helpline or call 1800 55 1800 if you are a young person and you need a safe space to chat.
• The Gidget Foundation Australia supports parents' mental health during pregnancy and after pregnancy loss.

Support for partners

• Males can visit Miscarriage Australia for support for men after pregnancy loss.

Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?

Find information in a number of community languages about:

• What to do if you are having a miscarriage, types of miscarriage and support services
• Information for parents after a miscarriage
• Information for parents after a stillbirth

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

• See this booklet to support your journey after losing your bub.

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

Supporting family, friends or employees after pregnancy loss

When a family member, friend or employee has a pregnancy loss, you might not know what to say or do. Visit Bears of Hope for brochures and guides.