Updated by the Progyny Clinical Team — July 2025.
A missed miscarriage happens when an embryo stops growing, but the body doesn’t recognize the loss right away. This means the pregnancy tissue stays in the uterus, and the placenta may keep making hormones. As a result, you may still feel pregnant.
A healthcare provider usually finds a missed miscarriage during a routine checkup. It’s often discovered when there’s no heartbeat or growth seen between ultrasounds.
Signs and symptoms
Missed miscarriage is sometimes called a “silent miscarriage” because it often doesn’t cause the usual signs of pregnancy loss, like heavy cramping, bleeding, or passing tissue.
However, some people may notice that their pregnancy symptoms, like breast soreness, nausea, or tiredness, go away. Some may also see light brown or red discharge.
About 1 to 5 percent of all pregnancies end in a missed miscarriage.
Causes and treatments
The most common cause is genetic or chromosomal abnormalities. These issues usually happen by chance and aren’t related to the genetics of either parent. However, they’re often connected to maternal age, with older maternal ages leading to higher rates of chromosomal abnormalities.
Other causes may include hormonal, autoimmune, blood clotting, and endocrine disorders or issues with the uterus. If you have two or more miscarriages, speak to your provider about testing to find out why.
If a missed miscarriage happens early in pregnancy, your body may pass the tissue on its own. This is called “expectant management.”
If that doesn’t happen, your provider might suggest medications to help your body pass the tissue or a minor procedure called a dilation and curettage, commonly known as a D&C. In this procedure, the cervix is gently opened, and the tissue is removed. This can help lower the risk of bleeding or infection, which can occur if the tissue were to remain in your body.
After a missed miscarriage, people are generally encouraged to wait at least one menstrual cycle before trying to conceive again.
If you have questions or concerns, Progyny is here for you. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support.
Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.