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• Ring your doctor or local hospital and describe your symptoms. Ask any questions you may have, write a list before you ring. Although no intervention can save your baby your medical caregiver needs to know what is happening so that:

1. you receive appropriate follow up
2. it goes on your medical record

• Ask others for help. You need someone to be with you and take you to the doctor or hospital. Never drive if you are having a miscarriage as you can lose consciousness.

• If you are alone and things are happening fast, dial 111 for an ambulance. There is a fee for this service.

• To relieve pain take paracetamol (not aspirin), lie down and place a hot water-bottle on your stomach.

• To soak up the blood use sanitary pads or even towels. Keep a count of how many you use for the doctor's records. Do not use tampons.

• When bleeding becomes heavy and you start passing clots, squat over a clean container so you can save everything to be seen by your doctor and/or buried. Your doctor may decide to send it for testing. You may ask for everything back for burial.

• If you lose so much blood that you faint or go into shock, you need medical help urgently. Have your support person ring your doctor, who will probably make arrangements for you to be admitted to hospital. Lie down on your side on the back seat of the car (the most comfortable position, also reduces blood flow) and take extra towels with you. Call an ambulance if no car is available.

• As you may need a D&C, do not eat or drink. Your stomach must be empty for the anaesthetic.

• If you do need to go to hospital and have other children or pets, make arrangements for their care.

• Pack a bag for hospital, in case it is needed. Take 2 nighties, dressing gown, slippers, toilet kit with toothbrush and paste, face cloth, soap and sanitary pads.

• For those who don't go to hospital, once the miscarriage is over, ring your doctor or the hospital to let them know. It is important that you are examined to determine whether or not the miscarriage is complete. You may be sent for a scan to confirm the findings.