Bleeding and cramping are common in early pregnancy and do not necessarily mean there is a problem. In most cases, the pregnancy will continue normally until your healthy baby is delivered. In particular, we don’t worry about mild cramping alone, without bleeding. However, any bleeding is a reason to call our office, especially if associated with cramping or lower abdominal pain. These symptoms can be signs of pregnancy loss or an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy means the pregnancy is outside of the womb. Ectopic pregnancy is not common but can be dangerous. You may need blood tests to determine your blood type and pregnancy hormone levels. We will order an ultrasound if needed. Whether for safety or reassurance, we are here to meet your needs in early pregnancy.
If Miscarriage is Diagnosed
About 1 in 4 pregnancies will end in miscarriage. Pregnancy loss is most common in the first trimester, and can happen before you’ve had your first prenatal visit. Your provider can talk to you about the safe options to manage early pregnancy loss and provide resources for emotional support.
Options
Watch & Wait – When you have been learned that you have a pregnancy loss or that the pregnancy has stopped growing, you can choose to wait for your body to naturally pass the pregnancy. It is common to have heavy bleeding and strong cramping when your body passes the pregnancy. Your provider can give you medication to help with pain and review safety information with you.
Medication – you can use medications to help the pregnancy pass. Mifepristone and misoprostol start the bleeding and cramping that helps your body pass the pregnancy tissue while you are at home. This process typically takes about 12 hours. Your provider will give you medication to help with pain and review safety information with you.
Procedural (Uterine Aspiration) – you can have a procedure to remove the pregnancy tissue. The provider will place an instrument into your cervix and remove the pregnancy with gentle suction. You can choose to be awake or asleep for this procedure. The Penn Medicine Pregnancy Early Access Center (PEACE) specializes in pregnancy loss care and abortion care, and may help you if you are experiencing pregnancy loss or miscarriage.