Warning signs of a missed miscarriage: what should you know?

In a missed miscarriage, pregnancy development has stopped but the body may not immediately start bleeding or cramping. Some people notice that pregnancy symptoms lessen, while others notice no change. A home symptom check cannot confirm what is happening; an ultrasound and clinical assessment are used to clarify the pregnancy. Bleeding, cramps, pelvic pain, or unusual discharge can occur with miscarriage but can also have other causes. Your care team can explain [Medical Management of Miscarriage](/treatments/medical-gynaecology/medical-management-of-miscarriage/) and [Surgical Management of Miscarriage](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/surgical-management-of-miscarriage/) if a diagnosis is confirmed.

Contact your maternity or gynaecology team about new bleeding, persistent cramps, pelvic pain, or a sudden change in pregnancy symptoms. Note the colour and amount of bleeding, pain location, temperature, dizziness, and any discharge. Use pads rather than tampons while bleeding so changes are easier to monitor. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe before arranging assessment, and seek support from someone you trust if you feel distressed.

Seek emergency care for heavy bleeding, faintness, severe or one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, fever, chills, foul-smelling discharge, repeated vomiting, or feeling suddenly very unwell. These symptoms can signal complications or another urgent pregnancy problem. If you have any bleeding with pain and pregnancy is possible, contact a clinician promptly even when the bleeding seems light.

Ask which symptoms are expected, whether you need an ultrasound or examination, how quickly results will be available, who to call overnight, and what choices follow if a missed miscarriage is confirmed.