Miscarriage and Ectopic Precautions
Seek Immediate Care: if you experience symptoms and/or complications of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
Miscarriage – Loss of a pregnancy before 20
weeks
Symptoms and Complications: One or more of
the following suggest that you may miscarry or
have already miscarried:
- Vaginal bleeding, passage of clots, tissue or fluid
- Intense cramping pain in your pelvis, lower back, or lower abdomen
- Pregnant with isolated fever ≥ 100.4⁰F
- Foul smelling vaginal discharge or bleeding
Why does it matter? Miscarriage can cause blood
loss and/or infection
What to do: Call your OB doctor immediately or
go to the Emergency Department of a nearby
hospital
Ectopic pregnancy – Pregnancy is developing in
a location other than the uterus. The most
common location is the fallopian tube, also
known as a tubal pregnancy.
Symptoms and Complications:
- Pain centered on one side of the abdomen or pelvis (pain may be mild, moderate, or severe)
- May or may not have bleeding from the vagina
- Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Why does it matter? An ectopic pregnancy is a
medical emergency that can cause rapid blood
loss into your abdomen and lead to fatal
consequences
What to do: Seek immediate medical treatment in
the Emergency Department of a nearby hospital