A missed miscarriage means the pregnancy has stopped developing, but the pregnancy tissue is still inside the womb and may not yet have caused obvious symptoms.
Some women have no symptoms and only find out on ultrasound. Others may notice light bleeding, mild cramping, or that usual pregnancy symptoms such as nausea or breast tenderness have reduced.
Ultrasound helps confirm whether the pregnancy is still developing, whether there is a heartbeat, and whether the findings fit a missed miscarriage rather than an earlier normal pregnancy.
Ultrasound is central because it helps confirm the diagnosis and guide whether expectant, medical, or surgical management is appropriate.
Management may involve waiting for the tissue to pass naturally, medicines, or a procedure depending on the scan findings, symptoms, and the woman’s preference.
This entry explains the condition. The next step is having a radiologist interpret your specific scan, not a general definition.
