What should you know?
A missed miscarriage is an early pregnancy loss in which embryonic development or cardiac activity has stopped but pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus. There may be few or no symptoms.
One very early scan may be inconclusive. Strict measurement criteria and, when needed, a repeat scan at the correct interval help prevent a mistaken diagnosis.
Common symptoms and signs
- Decrease in pregnancy symptoms, which is not diagnostic
- Light bleeding or brown discharge
- Mild cramping
- Incidental diagnosis at a routine scan
Diagnosis and the role of ultrasound
Transvaginal ultrasound evaluates the gestational sac, yolk sac, embryo crown-rump length and cardiac activity. Gestational age based only on the last menstrual period may be inaccurate.
- Pregnancy location
- Standard embryo and sac measurements
- Cardiac activity
- Growth compared with previous imaging
Treatment and next steps
After confirmation, expectant, medical and surgical options can be discussed. The safest choice depends on bleeding, infection, gestational age, health and patient preference.
When is urgent care needed?
- Very heavy bleeding, repeatedly soaking two large pads per hour
- Severe pain, high fever or foul discharge
- Dizziness, fainting or marked weakness