Pregnancy is a special time, but it can also be filled with uncertainty — especially in the early weeks.
Unfortunately, miscarriage is more common than many people think: about 1 in 10 pregnancies ends in miscarriage. In most cases, this is due to a developmental issue in the embryo and is not something you can prevent.
When the heartbeat is not visible on an ultrasound, or when the gestational sac turns out to be empty, it can be a shocking and emotional moment. There are different types of miscarriage, including:
1. Missed abortion (missed miscarriage):
In a missed miscarriage, the embryo has stopped growing, but there are no obvious physical signs such as bleeding or cramping. It is often discovered during a routine ultrasound, where it shows that the heartbeat has stopped and the embryo hasn't developed further for some time.
2. Blighted ovum (empty gestational sac):
In some cases, a gestational sac develops, but no embryo grows inside. This is known as a blighted ovum. Just like with a missed miscarriage, there are usually few or no symptoms until it is seen on an ultrasound that no baby is present.
Treatment Options
If you are experiencing a miscarriage, there are generally three possible ways to manage it:
Expectant management (watchful waiting):
In many cases, the miscarriage will happen naturally without intervention. This can take several days or even weeks. The attached images show how often natural expulsion occurs during expectant management.
Medication:
There are medications available that help the body to expel the pregnancy tissue more quickly, which can help you move forward physically and emotionally.
Curettage (D&C – dilation and curettage):
This is a minor procedure performed in a hospital to gently remove the pregnancy tissue from the uterus. It is usually recommended when the miscarriage doesn’t happen naturally or if there is heavy bleeding. There are some risks and disadvantages to this option, which we will discuss with you.
We understand that this can be a deeply emotional and difficult time. At our practice, we take the time to support you and your partner. Together, we’ll explore which approach feels right for you, provide clear information, and offer follow-up care when needed. You don’t have to go through this alone.
If you have any questions or concerns, or if you feel something might not be right, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here for you.
