PLEASE NOTE:
Get help straight away if you have:
- Heavy bleeding
- Pain and strong cramping
- Fever
- Feeling very unwell
Call 000 or go to the nearest hospital.
When to get help
If you’re feeling unwell or something doesn’t feel right, it’s always okay to get checked by a healthcare professional.
Some symptoms — like cramping, spotting, or nausea — can be part of a normal pregnancy. But they can also be signs of a problem. If you’re unsure, trust your instincts and speak to a doctor, midwife, or nurse.
Sadly, most pregnancy losses in early pregnancy can’t be prevented, even with fast medical care. But getting checked can help keep you safe, give you peace of mind, and guide you through what’s happening.
If your symptoms come on overnight, are mild overall, and you feel well, it’s usually safe to wait until the next day to speak to a doctor or midwife.
Your GP, midwife, or local hospital can help. Some hospitals have an Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) that supports people in the first trimester (up to 14 weeks). If EPAU isn’t available or you’re further along, care is still available through maternity services, after-hours GPs, emergency departments, or health advice phone lines.
Support is available at every stage — no matter how far along you were, or where you live.
If you are worried or need support, you can:
- Call your GP, midwife, or local hospital — for advice or referral
- Local hospital or emergency department (especially after hours)
— for urgent concerns - Contact a 24/7 pregnancy support line:
- Pregnancy, Birth and Baby – 1800 882 436
Free, 24/7 support and information - HealthDirect – 1800 022 222
Speak to a nurse any time, day or night
- Pregnancy, Birth and Baby – 1800 882 436
Some symptoms to be aware of include:
- Bleeding: Light bleeding can be normal early in pregnancy and doesn’t always mean there’s a problem. But sometimes it can be a sign of something more serious. If you have any bleeding, even if it doesn’t hurt, speak to a healthcare professional.
- Cramping or back pain: You might feel a dull ache in your lower back or cramps in your lower tummy. This can be normal in early pregnancy or miscarriage. Pain that’s sharp, on one side of your lower tummy, or pain in your shoulder tip (especially if you feel unwell or dizzy) could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. This needs emergency care — don’t wait to get help. If the pain doesn’t improve with a heat pack or pain medicine, or you’re unsure what’s causing it, talk to your doctor or midwife.
- Signs of Infection: If you experience fever, chills, or vaginal discharge that is unusual and has a strong offensive smell, see your doctor as these could be signs of infection.
- A feeling of pressure in the vagina: This may feel like heaviness, fullness, or pressure low in your pelvis. It is common in pregnancy, but in rare cases, it can be a sign that the cervix is opening, pregnancy tissue is passing, or that a miscarriage is starting or has already happened.
- Changes in vaginal discharge or fluid: You may notice more discharge, watery fluid, mucus, or a pink or brown colour. These changes could mean leaking fluid, changes in the cervix, or pregnancy loss.
- Painful urination or blood in urine: If it burns when you pee, or you see blood, speak to a doctor. It could be a urinary tract infection or something else that needs care.
- Severe nausea or vomiting: Feeling sick is common in pregnancy. But if it’s so bad that you can’t eat or drink, it could be a condition called hyperemesis, or another complication. Talk to a healthcare professional.
- Sudden dizziness, fainting, or feeling very unwell: These can be signs of serious internal bleeding, especially with ectopic pregnancy. Get emergency help right away.
- A sudden drop in pregnancy symptoms: Some people notice their pregnancy symptoms reduce or feel different during a miscarriage. But symptoms can also change in healthy pregnancies. If you’re worried about any changes, talk to your care provider.
- Heavy bleeding during miscarriage: Once a miscarriage begins, some people experience a sudden increase in bleeding. This can include passing large clots or pregnancy tissue, soaking through one pad every hour for two hours, and strong cramping. This amount of bleeding can be shocking or distressing — even if it is medically expected. If you’re unsure whether the amount of bleeding is safe, or you feel faint, dizzy, or in significant pain, seek urgent medical care.
If you’re unsure or worried
Trust yourself. Even mild symptoms can be important. If something doesn’t feel right, talk to your care provider.
Your care provider will check your symptoms and decide on next steps. They may offer reassurance and explain what to watch for, based on your pregnancy and medical history. Always follow their advice and reach out if anything changes.
Where to get help and support
This table can help you decide where to go for care, based on your situation.
If you’re not sure how serious your symptoms are, check the earlier list in this guide — or ask a healthcare professional. It’s always okay to get checked.
Depending on where you go, you may see a GP, midwife, nurse, obstetrician, or emergency doctor. They’re all part of your care team and here to support you.
| Situation | Where to go | What they can help with |
|---|---|---|
Pregnancy under 12 weeks — symptoms are mild | GP or Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) | Check symptoms, arrange a scan or blood test, talk through options |
Pregnancy under 12 weeks — severe symptoms (heavy bleeding or strong pain) | Emergency Department (ED) or Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) | Make sure you’re safe, manage bleeding or pain, rule out ectopic pregnancy |
Pregnancy between 12 and 14 weeks — mild symptoms | GP or Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) | Review symptoms, order tests or scans, talk about ongoing care options |
Pregnancy between 12 and 14 weeks — severe symptoms | ED or Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) | Urgent assessment, manage pain or bleeding, discuss treatment options and arrange follow-up care |
Pregnancy between 14 and 20 weeks — mild symptoms | GP or phone your pregnancy care provider. | Monitor your health and baby, offer support, talk through ongoing care options |
Pregnancy between 14 and 20 weeks — severe symptoms | ED or Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) | Urgent medical care, manage miscarriage or labour, support your emotional and physical needs |
You might also need support if:
| Situation | Where to go | What they can help with |
|---|---|---|
You’ve had a scan or test and don’t understand the result | GP, obstetrician or midwife | Help explain the result, talk about what it means, guide your next steps |
You’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling emotionally | GP, counsellor, midwife, PANDA, perinatal mental health service | Talk through your feelings, provide support and mental health care |
You want to speak to someone who’s been through this | Peer support organisations (e.g. Pink Elephants, Red Nose) | Connection, shared experiences, and emotional support |
You don’t know where to start or what you need | GP, HealthDirect, peer support organisation | Help working out what’s happening and where to go next |
Need help deciding?
Check the symptoms list at the top of this page or contact your GP or midwife, or HealthDirect on 1800 022 222. They can help you work out how urgent your care needs are. In the case of an emergency or life-threatening symptoms, please call Emergency Services on 000.
