Missed miscarriage: what to do next

After a possible missed miscarriage, arrange clinical assessment, then discuss monitoring, medication, or a procedure if loss is confirmed. Do not rely on bleeding, pregnancy symptoms, or a home test to establish the diagnosis.

A missed miscarriage is a pregnancy loss in which the body has not yet passed the pregnancy tissue. It can be discovered during an ultrasound even when you feel well. The clinician may review your dates and scan findings and may recommend another assessment when the diagnosis is not yet clear.

There is no single correct emotional response. Shock, sadness, anger, numbness, or relief can all occur. The loss is not your fault, and support from a trusted person or a trained counsellor can help.

Ask about the expected course, pain relief, bleeding, follow-up, and how to contact the team outside clinic hours. Some people wait for the body to pass the tissue; others choose medicine to help the process or a procedure to remove it. Review [Medical Management of Miscarriage](/treatments/medical-gynaecology/medical-management-of-miscarriage/) and [Surgical Management of Miscarriage](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/surgical-management-of-miscarriage/) with your clinician.

Go to urgent care for heavy bleeding, severe or increasing pain, fainting, significant dizziness, fever, foul-smelling discharge, or a sudden feeling of being very unwell. Tell the team that you may be experiencing pregnancy loss.

What has been confirmed, and is another scan needed? Which option suits my medical history? How will I know the process is complete? When should I return, and where should I go if symptoms worsen?