Types of miscarriage

A threatened miscarriage means bleeding or cramping occurs while the cervix remains closed and the pregnancy may still continue. An inevitable miscarriage describes bleeding and cramping with cervical opening, making loss likely. In an incomplete miscarriage, some pregnancy tissue has passed but some remains in the uterus. A complete miscarriage means the tissue has passed, while a missed miscarriage means the pregnancy has stopped developing without the expected bleeding or passage of tissue.

These labels cannot be confirmed from symptoms alone. A clinician may use a pelvic examination, pregnancy hormone testing and a transvaginal ultrasound to clarify what is happening. The amount of bleeding and pain can vary between people and between types.

Contact a maternity or gynaecology service for advice about bleeding or pain in pregnancy. Keep track of when symptoms began, how they change and whether tissue has passed. A clinician may discuss waiting for the body to pass the tissue, medicine to help the uterus empty, or a procedure; the suitable choice depends on your findings, symptoms and preferences.

Use only pain relief recommended for you, rest as needed and avoid putting anything into the vagina until a clinician advises that it is appropriate. A [Transvaginal Ultrasound](/treatments/diagnostics-and-imaging/transvaginal-ultrasound/) may help confirm the pregnancy location and whether tissue remains.

Seek urgent medical care for heavy or rapidly increasing bleeding, severe or one-sided abdominal pain, fainting, marked dizziness, shoulder-tip pain, fever or feeling very unwell. These symptoms can signal significant blood loss, infection or an ectopic pregnancy and need prompt assessment. If you know you are pregnant and have bleeding, do not try to identify the type at home.

Ask which type best fits your examination and scan, whether follow-up testing is needed, and what changes should prompt urgent care. You can also ask how each management option affects bleeding, pain, follow-up and emotional support. If tissue remains, discuss [Medical Management of Miscarriage](/treatments/medical-gynaecology/medical-management-of-miscarriage/) and [Surgical Management of Miscarriage](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/surgical-management-of-miscarriage/).