Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Guide on what to do if you are having a miscarriage

2-minute read

Guide to what to do if you are having a miscarriage

Download this guide as a PDF

View text version of infographic

When should I go to the nearest emergency department or call 000?

If you are pregnant and bleeding from your vagina, go immediately to your nearest hospital emergency department if you have:

  • strong abdominal pain
  • heavy bleeding or passing large clots
  • pain in your shoulder tip
  • a fever or chills
  • dizziness or feel faint
  • vaginal discharge with an unpleasant smell
  • shortness of breath or a fast heartbeat

Everyone has the right to emergency healthcare. If you are concerned for your health, visit your nearest emergency department.

What happens if I miscarry at home?

If your bleeding is not heavy and you generally feel well, contact your doctor, midwife or obstetrician to find out what to do.

You may be able to manage your miscarriage at home and through community care.

Your healthcare provider may recommend attending an early pregnancy assessment centre or hospital, depending on your situation and the service available near you.

How do I care for myself at home?

  • Get plenty of rest.
  • You can take paracetamol for pain.
  • Use a heat pack on your tummy.
  • Use sanitary pads rather than tampons to avoid infection.
  • Call someone to be with you for support.

If your symptoms get worse or you are concerned, go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

Where can I go for support?

Pink Elephants Support Network
pinkelephants.org.au

PANDA - 1300 726 306 (Mon to Sat)
panda.org.au

Red Nose Grief and Loss - 1300 308 307 (24/7)
rednosegriefandloss.org.au

Grief Australia
grief.org.au

For more information, visit pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/miscarriage

Want more like this?

See more guides and infographics from Pregnancy, Birth and Baby.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: June 2025


Back To Top

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.