A missed miscarriage (or “silent miscarriage”) happens when the embryo or fetus stops developing, but the body hasn’t yet recognized the loss.
How It’s Diagnosed
Often discovered during a routine ultrasound when no fetal heartbeat is seen, or the embryo has not developed as expected.
Some people may notice their pregnancy symptoms fading, but no bleeding or cramping has started.
Why It Happens
Most miscarriages happen because of random chromosomal abnormalities that prevent the embryo from developing normally.
These changes are not caused by stress, exercise, or diet - nothing you did caused this.
What Happens Next
There are three ways to manage a missed miscarriage, and all medically valid options:
Expectant management: waiting for the body to pass the tissue naturally, which may take days to weeks.
Medical management (misoprostol): medication to help the uterus empty
Surgical management (D&C): procedure to remove tissue under anesthesia.
Emotional Side
A missed miscarriage can feel surreal:
“My body still thought I was pregnant. I felt betrayed by it.”
It can take time to rebuild trust in your body again.
Key Takeaways
A missed miscarriage happens when the pregnancy stops developing without immediate signs like bleeding.
It's usually due to random chromosomal changes.
All management options- waiting, medications, or a D&C- are safe and valid.
Feelings of shock, sadness, or guilt are common, but none of this is your fault.
Do you need support and information after a missed miscarriage? Sign up here to test an early version of Sibyl: https://www.sibyl.care/signup
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