What should you know about miss missed miscarriage?

A missed miscarriage, sometimes called a silent or delayed miscarriage, may cause few or no symptoms. Pregnancy symptoms can continue for a while, so how you feel cannot confirm whether a pregnancy is developing. Diagnosis commonly involves an ultrasound and, when needed, a repeat assessment to clarify the findings.

Nothing you did caused the diagnosis. The pregnancy tissue may pass naturally, or you may be offered medicine or a procedure. Each option has different timing, practical considerations and follow-up needs; your clinician can explain which choices fit your situation.

Ask your clinician to explain the diagnosis, the available options and how quickly a decision is needed. Make a plan for pain relief, bleeding, transport and emotional support. Use pads rather than tampons while bleeding, and keep any follow-up appointment so completion can be checked.

You may want to discuss whether you prefer to wait, use medical treatment or have a procedure. Your choice can be revisited if your symptoms change or the first approach does not complete the miscarriage.

Get urgent help for heavy bleeding, severe pain, fainting, severe dizziness, fever, foul-smelling discharge or a sudden deterioration. If you are unsure whether symptoms are expected, contact the maternity or gynaecology service caring for you rather than waiting for the next appointment.

Ask how the diagnosis was confirmed, what waiting would involve, how each treatment is performed, how completion will be checked and which symptoms require immediate help. You can also ask about emotional support and when it is medically sensible to try for another pregnancy.