10 October 2023 , 14:00
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There are around 250,000 miscarriages every year in the UK, but despite its devastating prevalence, many have never heard of a missed miscarriage.
Also known as a ‘silent’ miscarriage, it occurs when the baby is no longer alive in the womb, but the body does not recognise the pregnancy loss or display any common symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding, explains Progyny. According to Miscarriage Association, many women will be unaware that they have experienced the condition because pregnancy hormones may continue to be high for some time after the baby has died, meaning the pregnancy test will still show as positive.
It can be too early to feel the baby kicking during the second trimester, so without physical symptoms, many people are unaware. The charity explains that a missed miscarriage is usually diagnosed by healthcare professionals during a routine ultrasound scan.
This could occur during the 12-week scan, the 20-week anomaly scan, or a non-routine appointment. The scan may show that the baby has no heartbeat, or that the baby is too small for the date of your pregnancy, writes Tommy’s. As part of Baby Loss Awareness Week (9 - 5 October), we have researched the most common questions about missed miscarriage.
What are the first signs of a missed miscarriage?
It is often referred to as a ‘silent’ miscarriage because many do not present the common symptoms, such as heavy cramping and vaginal bleeding. However, Healthline explains that some may notice lessening or disappearing of early pregnancy symptoms, including breast soreness and nausea.
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In some cases, women can experience brown or red vaginal discharge. It is believed that between one to five percent of all pregnancies will result in a missed miscarriage, highlights Progyny. You should visit a doctor if you suspect any kind of miscarriage. With a missed miscarriage, a lack of pregnancy symptoms may be the only sign.
What causes a missed miscarriage?
There is usually no clear explanation for a missed miscarriage, but it has been linked to chromosomal abnormalities in the foetus, as these abnormalities do not allow the pregnancy to develop. It can also be caused by a uterine problem like scarring, Healthline adds.
The health site explains that people face a higher risk if they have an endocrine or an autoimmune disorder, or are a heavy smoker. Physical trauma has also been associated with the condition.
How long can you carry a missed miscarriage?
After the ultrasound results come back, a doctor or nurse will discuss some suggestions for the healthcare plan, this can include the ‘expectant management’ approach. If no treatment is required, the pregnancy tissue will pass naturally over time.
With a missed miscarriage, this can take as long as three to four weeks, informs The Royal Women’s Hospital. It’s common for a woman to have some spotting or bleeding during this time, this often becomes heavier with crampy, period-like pains when the pregnancy tissue passes.
However, medicine is available which can speed up the process of passing the pregnancy tissue, which can take up to two weeks - and occasionally - longer. Another treatment option is known as ‘dilation and curettage’, which involves the cervix being gently opened and the pregnancy tissue is removed.
Healthline explains that physical recovery time after a miscarriage can vary from a few weeks to a month, while your period will most likely return in three to six weeks.
Is emotional support available?
While miscarriage is often considered a physical condition, it can also be devastating on your mental health. Many people have to contend with grief, anxiety and shock, but there are lots of organisations that can provide advice and support. If you’re worried that you or a partner are struggling to cope after losing a baby, speaking to your GP can help you get the support you need.
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].