Pain and vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy (before week 20) does not always mean there is a problem. But if you have pain or bleeding, you should go to your doctor or a hospital so you can get the care you need.
Miscarriage (loss during the early stage of pregnancy) is a distressing and overwhelming experience for women and their families.
Seeking appropriate medical care, accessing support services, and connecting with others who have experienced miscarriage can contribute to healing and overall wellbeing.
At Ipswich Hospital obstetricians, gynaecologists, nurses, midwives, counsellors, and support staff work together to provide comprehensive care to women experiencing miscarriage or threatened miscarriage.
Resources
- Miscarriage Australia
- Consumer information: After a miscarriage (health.qld.gov.au)
- Early Pregnancy Loss Memorial Service PDF
- Ipswich Hospital Early Pregnancy Service PDF
- Centre for Research Excellence Safer baby in pregnancy
- Stronger Bubba Born - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pregnancy information
- Growing Health Baby - Pregnancy information for families who speak Arabic, Dari, Dinka and Karen
Information
Women with excessive bleeding, pain or vomiting should present directly to an emergency department.
Excessive symptoms look like: pain that is not relieved by paracetamol (such as Panadol) and/or bleeding through a sanitary pad every 30-60 minutes.
Consider bringing:
- fresh sanitary pads
- a change of clothes
- Medicare card
- pregnancy ultrasound result
- slip-on shoes and something warm to wear
- your phone and charger.
Give the triage nurse any relevant information you have brought with you, such as an ultrasound result. There is no need to bring soiled sanitary items. They will guide you through the process, which may include a referral to the Early Pregnancy Service.
Every experience of miscarriage is different. The cause of miscarriage is often unknown and usually unpreventable.
However, most women who have a miscarriage will later fall pregnant again and experience a normal pregnancy.
For information on the treatment options for miscarriage, see this Clinical Excellence Queensland factsheet.
The Early Pregnancy Service at Ipswich Hospital assists women who have been referred to them by the emergency department, GP or midwife due to clinical concerns early in their pregnancy.
This includes specialised care for:
- miscarriage confirmed by an ultrasound or curette
- bleeding and cramping in the early weeks of a confirmed pregnancy
- suspected ectopic pregnancy (located outside of the uterus).
The clinic is led by early pregnancy midwives who coordinate individualised emotional and physical care, include follow-up pathology tests and ultrasounds.
Emotional support and practical guidance is provided by a multidisciplinary team who base their care on respect, dignity and compassion.
Phone: 07 3810 1978
Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30 am - 5 pm
Address: Ipswich Hospital Level 6, near the hospital entrance and ward 6D
Our early pregnancy loss memorial service acknowledges the life and future that was lost through miscarriage and allows families to commemorate and grieve that loss.
For families who would like to take part, a communal cremation is arranged at no cost. The ashes are placed in the memorial garden at Ipswich Hospital during the service.
Family and friends are welcome to attend and return to the memorial garden at any time.
When: The memorial service is non-denominational and is held at 2.00pm on the last Wednesday of each month except December.
Where: The service is held at the Memorial Garden, near the Ipswich Hospital Emergency Department.