Missed miscarriage

A missed miscarriage can come as a real shock. We hope this information helps you understand more about what has happened.

On this page talk about your baby’s body as well as pregnancy tissue. Most people we talk to have told us this is the language they prefer. If this isn’t right for you, we’re sorry. We hope you still find this page helpful.

On this page

What is a missed miscarriage?

What causes a missed miscarriage?

Your options and decisions after a missed miscarriage

Coping with a missed miscarriage

What is a missed miscarriage?

A missed miscarriage happens when your baby dies in your womb, but you don’t have any symptoms of miscarriage, such as bleeding or pain. Many women and birthing people continue to feel pregnant and have pregnancy symptoms. 

This type of miscarriage is often discovered during a routine ultrasound scan as part of antenatal care. It can come as a real shock, especially if you had no idea something was wrong.

The scan may show that the baby has no heartbeat or that the baby is smaller than expected for the dates you have given.

If the baby is smaller than expected but has a heartbeat, a second scan will be arranged in 10-14 days’ time to check if your baby is growing as expected. This period of waiting and uncertainty can feel very difficult. You may find it helpful to reach out for support.

What causes a missed miscarriage?

There are many possible causes and risk factors for miscarriage. The reason it is ‘missed’ (that the physical side of the miscarriage is delayed) is because it takes longer for the pregnancy hormones to drop after some miscarriages. This means you still feel pregnant and have no symptoms of miscarriage, sometimes for weeks.

We don’t know why pregnancy hormones take longer to drop after some miscarriages.

Read more about the causes and risk factors for miscarriage here.

Your options and decisions after a missed miscarriage

If you have a missed miscarriage,  your baby’s remains and pregnancy tissue can’t stay in your womb. There are different ways they can be removed. This is sometimes called ‘management of miscarriage’.  

You will usually have 3 options:

• waiting for the miscarriage to happen by itself (expectant management)
• taking medicine to start the miscarriage (medical management)
• having surgery to remove your baby’s remains (surgical management).

Your doctor should talk with you about the best option for you. You should be given some time to think about what has happened and think about what you want to do.  You may find it helpful to look at our decision aid.

It may help to know that the risks of infection or other harm are very small with all 3 options. Your chances of having a healthy pregnancy next time are equally good whichever method you choose.

Coping with a missed miscarriage

A missed miscarriage can come as a real shock. You may be struggling with a whole range of difficult and sometimes conflicting emotions.  

Although there is often no way of knowing except through an ultrasound scan, many women and birthing people find it hard to make sense of the fact they didn’t realise their baby had died.  

You do not need to go through this alone.  There are lots of organisations that can provide advice and support.

If you’re worried that you or your partner are struggling to cope after a miscarriage please talk to your GP. They will be able to help you get the support you need locally.

You can also talk to a Tommy’s midwife free of charge from 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday on 0800 0147 800 or you can email them at [email protected]. Our midwives are specialists who can support you with any aspect of pregnancy loss that would be helpful for you.  

Find out more about support after a miscarriage.