Updated by the Progyny Clinical Team — July 2025.
A miscarriage is when a pregnancy ends on its own before 20 weeks. It happens in 10-20% of pregnancies. Most miscarriages happen in the first 10 weeks, but they can happen later, too.
Types of miscarriage
Chemical pregnancy
This is a very early miscarriage, often before you even know you’re pregnant. It can’t be seen on ultrasound, and it occurs so early that many people don’t realize they’ve miscarried.
This happens when an embryo starts to grow and attach to your uterus, but then it stops developing. If you see any signs, it’s likely that your period is a little late or heavier than usual.
Anembryonic pregnancy (blighted ovum)
This can happen so early that you may not know you’re pregnant. Some people notice early pregnancy signs like a missed period, a positive pregnancy test, breast tenderness, or morning sickness.
This type of miscarriage occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterus but doesn’t develop into an embryo. The gestational sac and placenta grow, but the sac stays empty. This is diagnosed with early pregnancy ultrasounds and always leads to a miscarriage. You may or may not have some vaginal bleeding and pelvic cramps.
Missed
This type of miscarriage occurs when an embryo stops growing, but your body doesn’t recognize the loss or pass the pregnancy tissue. This is usually diagnosed when you come in for an early pregnancy ultrasound. Some people can tell a miscarriage has happened when their pregnancy symptoms fade. Others have light bleeding or no symptoms at all.
Threatened
A threatened miscarriage is when you have bleeding in early pregnancy, but when an exam is performed the cervix (opening to the uterus) is still closed. About half of these cases end with a true miscarriage, with the other half continuing to develop normally.
Signs include bleeding, cramps, or back pain. Quickly follow up with your OBGYN — they may recommend a follow-up exam or ultrasound.
Inevitable
Heavy bleeding, strong cramps, and an open cervix mean a miscarriage is happening and cannot be stopped. With an inevitable miscarriage, the pregnancy is usually still seen inside the uterus on ultrasound, but there is nothing that can be done to prevent the miscarriage from happening.
Incomplete
A miscarriage has occurred, and some, but not all, of the pregnancy tissue has passed. Signs include heavy bleeding and strong cramps. There’s also tissue left in the uterus that would appear on an ultrasound.
Complete
A miscarriage has occurred, and all the pregnancy tissue has passed from the uterus. Signs include bleeding and pain that quickly improves after the tissue passes. An ultrasound can confirm the uterus is empty.
Septic
This is a miscarriage with an infection in the uterus. It’s a medical emergency and needs emergency care. Signs include fever, chills, odorous discharge, heavy bleeding, and severe pain.
Go to the emergency room and call your OBGYN right away. You may receive antibiotics or possibly have a dilation and curettage (D&C) to remove infected tissue.
Treatments
If a miscarriage happens and some pregnancy tissue is still in the uterus, there are generally three treatment options:
- Letting the tissue pass on its own.
- Taking medicine to help it pass.
- Having a D&C to remove it.
These options may apply to all types of miscarriages, except for two:
- A threatened miscarriage, because your doctor will usually monitor the pregnancy to see if you will truly miscarry.
- A septic miscarriage is a medical emergency that must be promptly managed with a D&C and antibiotics. Go to the emergency room and call your OBGYN right away.
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.