Missed miscarriage options: what to know

A missed miscarriage, also called a silent or delayed miscarriage, happens when a pregnancy has stopped developing but the body has not yet passed the pregnancy tissue. Some people have no bleeding or pain. An ultrasound and sometimes repeat assessment confirm what is happening.

Expectant care allows the body time to pass the tissue naturally. Medical care uses prescribed medicine to help the uterus empty. Surgical care removes the tissue through a procedure. Your clinician may discuss how each approach affects timing, bleeding, pain relief and follow-up.

Contact your maternity or gynaecology team to confirm the diagnosis and discuss which approach fits your symptoms, medical history and support at home. Ask how to manage cramping, what bleeding to expect, and how you will know treatment is complete. Emotional support can be part of care; a miscarriage is not caused by something you did.

Seek urgent medical help for very heavy bleeding, severe or worsening pain, faintness, dizziness, fever, chills, or feeling acutely unwell. These symptoms can signal significant blood loss or infection and need prompt assessment, whether you are waiting, using medicine or recovering from a procedure.

Ask: How was the diagnosis confirmed? Which option is suitable for me? What pain relief and follow-up will I need? When can I return to normal activities, and who should I contact overnight if symptoms change?