There are different types of miscarriage. Knowing what type you have can help guide treatment and recovery. The most frequent comparison is between missed miscarriage and incomplete miscarriage. Both are the loss of a pregnancy but differ in the amount of pregnancy tissue remaining in the uterus following the miscarriage.
Understanding the symptoms of a incomplete miscarriage, how it’s diagnosed, and what treatment options are available can help you get medical care in time and recover safely.
What Is a Complete Abortion?
If the miscarriage is complete, all of the pregnancy tissue has passed naturally out of the uterus. If the uterus is empty, bleeding and cramping will eventually stop and the body will recover.
Usually, a complete miscarriage doesn’t need any more treatment, but your health care provider may want to see you again, or do an ultrasound, to make sure your uterus is empty. ## What Is an Incomplete Miscarriage?
An incomplete miscarriage occurs when a miscarriage has started but part of the pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus. The uterus has not completely emptied and bleeding and cramping may continue until the remaining tissue is passed naturally or by medical treatment.
If you have a incomplete miscarriage, you will need medical care. This is to prevent complications such as heavy bleeding or infection.
Symptoms of Missed Abortion
Signs of a possible missed miscarriage include:
- Heavy or persistent vaginal bleeding
- Ongoing abdominal or pelvic cramping
- Passing blood clots
- Pain, low back
- Bleeding that does not gradually improve over time
- An open cervix during a medical examination
Some women may feel faint or weak if they lose a lot of blood.
Complete Miscarriage Vs Incomplete Miscarriage
Here are the main differences:
| Complete Miscarriage | Incomplete Miscarriage |
| All of the pregnancy tissue has passed. | Some of the pregnancy tissue still remains in the uterus. |
| Bleeding gradually stops. | Bleeding may be heavy and may last long. |
| Cramping usually goes away quickly. | Cramping often continues until the rest of the tissue is removed. |
| Usually requires only follow-up care. | May require medication or surgery. |
A health care provider is the only one who can tell if a miscarriage is complete or incomplete.
Miscarriage diagnosis not complete?
Your health care provider may diagnose a incomplete miscarriage by:
- Physical exam
- A pelvic examination
- An ultrasound to check for retained tissue
- Blood tests to measure pregnancy hormone (hCG) levels
These tests are done to see if any of the pregnancy tissue is left in the uterus and what the best treatment is.
Treatment Options
How you are treated for a incomplete miscarriage depends on your symptoms, how much tissue remains in your body, and your general health.
1. Looking
Your health care provider may sometimes suggest waiting to see if the rest of the tissue passes on its own. This may be an option if the bleeding can be controlled and there is no sign of infection.
2. Medical
You may be prescribed medication to help the uterus contract and pass any remaining tissue from the pregnancy. In many cases this can lessen the need for operation.
3. Surgical management
If heavy bleeding continues, an infection occurs, or tissue remains after taking medication, a procedure called dilation and curettage (D&C) may be recommended to safely remove the remaining tissue.
Your provider will discuss with you the benefits and drawbacks of each option.
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Possible Complications
If a incomplete miscarriage is not treated, it can lead to complications such as:
- Heavy blood loss
- Infection
- Retained pregnancy tissue
- Ongoing pain
- Delayed recovery
Early medical evaluation reduces risk for these complications.
Recovery following Treatment
Most women will recover physically from a incomplete miscarriage in a few weeks after treatment. Things you may experience during your recovery:
- Light bleeding or spotting
- Mild cramping
- Fatigue
- Emotional ups and downs
Follow your healthcare provider’s advice on rest, hygiene and follow-up visits.
When to Seek Medical Help
Now If you have: Contact your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room.
- Bleeding soaks through two or more sanitary napkins within an hour
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Severe abdominal painshivers Bad vaginal smell
- Dizziness or lightheadedness that is severe
These symptoms could indicate that you have an infection or have lost a lot of blood and require prompt treatment.
Conclusion
incomplete miscarriage. It is important to know the difference between a complete miscarriage and an incomplete miscarriage so proper treatment and recovery will take place. A complete miscarriage means that all the pregnancy tissue has been passed naturally, whereas an incomplete miscarriage means that some of the tissue remains in the uterus and may need medical treatment.
If you experience heavy bleeding, severe cramping or other symptoms that concern you after a miscarriage, be sure to contact your health care provider right away. An early diagnosis and the right treatment can avoid complications and the recovery is safe.