Signs of a silent miscarriage at 16 weeks

A missed, or silent, miscarriage happens when a pregnancy has stopped developing but the body has not yet started bleeding or cramping. Pregnancy symptoms may fade, stay the same, or change gradually, and some people notice no difference. Reduced nausea, breast tenderness, or a sense that the pregnancy feels different cannot diagnose a miscarriage. At 16 weeks, an ultrasound and clinical review are needed to check the pregnancy and discuss what is happening. Light spotting can also occur for reasons other than miscarriage.

Contact your maternity or early-pregnancy service if you are worried, have bleeding, cramps, fluid loss, fever, or a change in symptoms. Do not use home symptoms or a handheld Doppler to confirm wellbeing. A clinician can explain the scan findings and discuss observation, medicine, or a procedure when miscarriage is confirmed. Ask about pain relief, emotional support, and how to obtain help at home during recovery.

Seek emergency help for heavy bleeding, severe or one-sided pain, faintness, shoulder-tip pain, fever, foul-smelling discharge, or feeling weak and unwell. These symptoms can indicate bleeding, infection, or another pregnancy complication and should not be attributed to a silent miscarriage without examination. Bring any pregnancy records and tell the team how far along you are. If treatment is discussed, Surgical Management of Miscarriage and Medical Management of Miscarriage are different options that require individual advice.

Ask what the ultrasound shows, whether another scan is needed, which options are suitable at this stage, what warning signs to watch for, and whom to contact for emotional support.