A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks, and it usually shows up with vaginal bleeding, cramping, and sometimes passing tissue or clots. Many people also notice pregnancy symptoms fading, and a clinician may confirm it with an ultrasound and blood tests.

What it can feel like

Common symptoms include bleeding that may start light and become heavier, pain or cramping in the lower abdomen or back, and passage of grayish tissue or blood clots. Some people have no obvious symptoms and only find out at a checkup.

How it’s confirmed

Doctors usually check with an ultrasound to look for a heartbeat or pregnancy structures, and may use blood tests for hCG levels. A pelvic exam may also be done to see whether the cervix is opening or if tissue is present.

What happens next

If a miscarriage is confirmed, the pregnancy tissue may pass naturally over days to 1–2 weeks, or a doctor may recommend medicine or a procedure if needed. Urgent medical care is important if there is very heavy bleeding, fever, foul-smelling discharge, severe pain, or signs of infection.

If you want, I can also explain what to expect physically day by day or when to get emergency help.