Breaking the news of a miscarriage

This deeply sensitive station tests compassion and patient-led pacing. The examiner wants the news delivered clearly and gently, with space for grief, before any discussion of next steps.

How to structure it

• Check her understanding and prepare the setting.
• Give a warning shot, then share the news clearly and gently.
• Allow silence and respond to her grief — avoid platitudes.
• Only when she is ready, outline the management options without pressure.
• Offer support services and clear follow-up.

Common pitfalls

• Rushing into options before allowing grief.
• Using euphemisms that obscure what has happened.
• Offering hollow reassurance instead of empathy.

Examiners reward sensitivity, well-used silence, patient-led pacing, and compassionate, unpressured information.