Missed Miscarriage: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A missed miscarriage—also known as a silent miscarriage—is one of the most confusing and emotional experiences in early pregnancy. Unlike a typical miscarriage, there are often no clear warning signs. Many people only discover it during an early scan when the embryo isn’t developing as expected.

For individuals and couples on a fertility journey, including those working with a surrogacy clinic in Ukraine, understanding the signs, risks, and treatments for missed miscarriage can bring clarity and reassurance. With better awareness of miscarriage symptoms and early monitoring, it becomes easier to navigate the emotional and medical moments that may arise in early pregnancy.

This guide explains what a missed miscarriage is, what causes it, how it’s diagnosed, and how fertility programs support women and intended parents through such situations.

What Is a Missed Miscarriage?

A missed miscarriage occurs when:

  • The embryo stops developing
  • The heartbeat is no longer detected
  • But the body still continues pregnancy symptoms

There may be no bleeding, no cramping, and no visible signs of loss. This is why many people call it a “silent” miscarriage.

Routine ultrasounds—especially in programs that monitor early pregnancy carefully—are usually the first indicator.

Chance of a Missed Miscarriage

The chance of a missed miscarriage varies, but research shows:

  • It affects approximately 1–5% of all pregnancies
  • Risk increases for women over age 35
  • Many are caused by chromosomal abnormalities
  • IVF pregnancies do not have significantly higher risk
  • Healthy lifestyle does not fully prevent it

In fertility programs, pregnancies are monitored more frequently, making detection earlier and more precise.

Common Causes of a Missed Miscarriage

A missed miscarriage is almost never caused by something a woman—or a surrogate—did wrong. The most common causes include:

1. Chromosomal Abnormalities

This is the 1 cause. The embryo may have genetic abnormalities that stop development early.

2. Hormonal Imbalances

Low progesterone or thyroid issues can contribute.

3. Implantation Issues

If the embryo does not implant correctly or has poor blood flow, early development may stop.

4. Underlying Medical Conditions

Autoimmune disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, or severe infections can play a role.

5. Age-Related Egg Quality Decline

As egg quality declines with age, miscarriage risk rises.

In many fertility programs, embryos undergo genetic testing (PGT) to reduce this risk.

Silent Miscarriage Symptoms: What You Might Notice

A silent miscarriage rarely presents dramatic signs. Instead, subtle symptoms can include:

  • Pregnancy symptoms suddenly decreasing
  • Mild cramping without bleeding
  • Very light spotting
  • Feeling “different” or less pregnant
  • Slower rise of hCG levels (detected through blood tests)

But keep in mind:

These silent miscarriage symptoms do not always mean something is wrong. Symptoms naturally rise and fall in early pregnancy.

This is why ultrasounds matter.

Missed Miscarriage Symptoms Doctors Identify

Doctors typically diagnose a missed miscarriage through:

  • Ultrasound showing no heartbeat
  • Embryo not growing at expected rate
  • Empty gestational sac (blighted ovum)
  • Plateauing or decreasing hCG levels

Clinics monitor these signs closely, especially after IVF or embryo transfer.

How Fertility Programs Detect Missed Miscarriage Early

Early pregnancy monitoring is standard in IVF and embryo transfer programs. Many families who choose a surrogacy clinic in Ukraine benefit from:

  • Serial hCG blood tests
  • Early pregnancy ultrasounds
  • Hormonal tracking
  • Expert fertility specialists monitoring progress
  • Regular communication with intended parents

This structured approach helps catch potential problems early and ensures quick medical support.

Treatment Options for Missed Miscarriage

Once diagnosed, treatment is based on safety and preference. Options include:

1. Expectant Management

The body naturally releases pregnancy tissue on its own. This can take days or weeks.

2. Medication

Medication helps the uterus empty more predictably.

3. Surgical Management (D&C)

A quick procedure performed under medical supervision, often chosen for emotional, medical, or timing reasons.

A fertility specialist helps determine the safest and most compassionate approach.

Emotional Impact and Support

A missed miscarriage affects both the pregnant woman and the intended parents.

Emotional effects may include:

  • Shock or disbelief
  • Sadness or grief
  • Anxiety about trying again
  • Worry about responsibility, even though it is not anyone’s fault

In fertility journeys, clinics often provide counseling, support sessions, or direct guidance to help both sides process the loss.

How Long Does It Take for Sperm to Fertilize an Egg?

Understanding fertilization can help clarify early pregnancy timing:

  • Sperm can reach the egg within 30 minutes to a few hours
  • Sperm can survive inside the female reproductive system for up to 5 days
  • Fertilization usually happens in the fallopian tube

In IVF, fertilization happens in a controlled lab environment using high-quality sperm and eggs. This reduces uncertainties and helps lower the likelihood of chromosomal issues—one of the main causes of miscarriage.

Does a Miscarriage Affect Fertility?

Most women—and surrogates—go on to have healthy future pregnancies. A missed miscarriage does not mean someone will lose future pregnancies. After treatment, the body usually returns to its normal cycle within 4–6 weeks.

Surrogacy Cost and Pregnancy Loss

If a missed miscarriage occurs during a fertility or gestational program, intended parents often wonder about financial implications.
Surrogacy cost varies based on the program:

  • Some clinics include multiple embryo transfer attempts
  • Some offer fixed-cost or guaranteed live-birth programs
  • Others offer replacement cycles at a reduced rate

A reliable surrogacy clinic in Ukraine provides transparent cost structures and emotional support during setbacks.

Key Takeaways

  • A missed miscarriage occurs when pregnancy stops developing without obvious symptoms.
  • The chance of a missed miscarriage is low but not uncommon.
  • Silent miscarriage symptoms can be subtle, making monitoring essential.
  • Causes include chromosomal issues, hormones, implantation problems, and age.
  • Treatment options include natural passing, medication, or D&C.
  • Fertility clinics closely monitor early pregnancy to detect complications early.
  • Understanding how long it takes for sperm to fertilize an egg helps explain early pregnancy timelines.
  • Fertility programs offer emotional and medical support following miscarriage.

FAQs

1. Can you have symptoms with a missed miscarriage?

Often no. That’s why it’s called a silent miscarriage.

2. Can IVF reduce miscarriage risk?

Yes, especially when genetic testing is used to select healthy embryos.

3. How soon can someone try again after a missed miscarriage?

Most can try after one normal menstrual cycle, depending on medical advice.

4. Is a missed miscarriage painful?

Many people feel little or no physical pain, which is why diagnosis often comes as a surprise.

5. How common is it in IVF pregnancies?

Rates are similar to natural pregnancies, but monitored earlier and more accurately.

6. Does a miscarriage affect the cost of fertility treatment?

It depends on the clinic. Some programs include multiple attempts, reducing financial pressure.

Conclusion

A missed miscarriage is heartbreaking and often unexpected, especially when early pregnancy appears normal. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options helps individuals and families feel more in control during an emotional time. With the right medical care—especially through a trusted surrogacy clinic in Ukraine—pregnancy is closely monitored, silent symptoms are detected early, and compassionate support is available for everyone involved.

Pregnancy loss does not define the future. With the right care, many people go on to experience healthy pregnancies and successful fertility journeys.

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