A missed miscarriage is also known as a silent miscarriage. This is a type of pregnancy loss in which the embryo or foetus stops growing but the body does not recognise the loss straight away. With this kind of miscarriage, there may be little or no bleeding or cramping. You might not even know that the pregnancy has ended unless you have a medical exam.
Learn about a missed miscarriage, including its signs, causes, and treatment options, to understand this condition and know when to seek medical care.
What is missed miscarriage?
A missed miscarriage is one where the pregnancy is no longer viable but the products of conception remain in utero. Even if the pregnancy is not developing, some women may still experience symptoms of pregnancy, as the body may still be producing pregnancy hormones for a time.
It is often identified during a routine prenatal ultrasound, when there is no foetal heartbeat or the embryo has stopped growing.
Missed Miscarriage Symptoms
One of the features of a missed miscarriage is you might not have any obvious symptoms. But some women do notice subtle changes including:
- A sudden loss of pregnancy signs, such as breast tenderness or morning sickness
- Light brown or pink spotting
- Slight stomach upset
- Less pregnancy sensation
- Ultrasound no foetal heartbeat detected
Symptoms are so subtle, many women don’t know something is wrong until a prenatal appointment.
What leads to a missed miscarriage?
Missed miscarriage typically occurs due to factors beyond anyone’s control. Common reasons are:
1. Genetic Abnormalities
The most common reason is some problem with the baby’s chromosomes. These genetic defects are not amenable to normal development and may be randomly introduced at the time of fertilisation.
2. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal problems such as low progesterone can impact the ability of the pregnancy to grow normally.
3. Conditions of the mother
Some medical conditions in the mother can make miscarriage more likely. These are as follows:
- Diabetes not under control Thyroid gland diseases
- Autoimmune diseases
- Blood clotting disorders
Better pregnancy outcomes can be achieved with good control of these conditions before and during pregnancy.
4. Abnormalities of the Uterus
Structural problems of the uterus (e.g., congenital anomalies or large fibroids) may contribute to pregnancy loss in some instances.
How do doctors confirm a missed miscarriage?
A doctor or nurse will usually diagnose a missed miscarriage with: no foetal heartbeat and no evidence of normal foetal growth on ultrasound scan human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) levels in blood tests Pelvic examination as indicated
Sometimes more ultrasounds or blood tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis before treatment is advised.
Treatment
What is the management of missed abortion ? Treatment is based on your health status, choice and the advice of the doctor.
Nonoperative management
Some women wait for the body to pass the pregnancy tissue on its own. That can take days or weeks.
Medication
Medication can help the uterus to contract and pass the pregnancy tissue more quickly.
Operation
If bleeding is heavy, if signs of infection develop, or if the pregnancy tissue does not pass from the body naturally, a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure may be recommended.
Your health care provider will discuss the advantages and risks of each option.
Physical Recovery
Most women will physically recover within a few weeks after treatment for a missed miscarriage. What you could experience:
- Bleeding from vagina for a week or 2
- Minor cramping
- Exhaustion
- Normal menstrual cycles return within four to six weeks
Note: Everyone heals at different rates.
Emotional Recovery
A missed miscarriage can be especially difficult to cope with emotionally, because the loss is usually unexpected. It is normal to feel sad, angry, guilty or confused.
Recommended Reading
How Long Does Miscarriage Bleeding Last?
How to Improve Communication with Your Partner
Tips to help you cope
- Going to a pregnancy loss support group
- Talk to your partner or loved one
- Seeking professional counselling if needed
- Give yourself time to heal/grieve
- Emotional healing normally takes longer than physical healing.
When to Call a Healthcare Provider
If you have: Call your healthcare provider right away.
- Heavy bleeding from the vagina
- Severe abdominal pain
- Fever or chills
- Bad smelling vaginal discharge
- Dizziness or fainting, continuing
These symptoms can indicate that there are complications, such as infection or excessive blood loss.
Missed miscarriage is when the embryo stops growing but the pregnancy tissue is not immediately passed out of the body. Symptoms may be mild or even absent and many cases are discovered at routine prenatal visits.
A missed miscarriage can be very upsetting, but it’s usually caused by chromosomal abnormalities or other factors that are beyond your control. With timely medical care, proper treatment and emotional support, most women recover well and go on to have healthy pregnancies.