What causes a missed miscarriage at 8 weeks?

In a missed miscarriage, the pregnancy has stopped developing but the body has not yet passed the pregnancy tissue. Bleeding or cramps may be absent, and pregnancy symptoms can continue for a while because hormone levels do not fall immediately. Many early losses are linked to a chance chromosome problem that prevents normal development.

An ultrasound is used to assess the pregnancy. Dates based on the last menstrual period can be inaccurate when ovulation occurred later than expected, so the clinician may arrange another scan before confirming the diagnosis if findings are uncertain.

Your care team should explain expectant management, medicine to help the womb empty, and a procedure to remove pregnancy tissue. The suitable options depend on bleeding, infection risk, other health conditions and your preference. Ask what pain relief to use, what bleeding to expect and who to contact outside clinic hours.

Give yourself space for physical and emotional recovery. This loss is not a punishment or a sign that everyday activity, sex, exercise or ordinary stress caused the pregnancy to stop developing.

Seek urgent medical care for heavy bleeding that soaks pads rapidly, severe or one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, marked dizziness, fever, offensive-smelling discharge or feeling very unwell. These symptoms require assessment for substantial blood loss, infection or an ectopic pregnancy, even if miscarriage has been suspected.

Ask how the scan confirms the diagnosis, whether repeat imaging is appropriate, which management choices are suitable, and how follow-up will confirm completion. You can also ask when to resume sex, exercise or attempts to conceive, based on your recovery and preferences.