What is a Missed Miscarriage / Silent Miscarriage? Explained by a Genetic Counselor

In today's video I discuss missed miscarriages, also called silent miscarriages. I review the how missed miscarriages are diagnosed, what causes them, and how they are treated. I also share my experience with missed miscarriages.

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:13 What is a missed miscarriage?
2:49 How are missed miscarriages diagnosed?
4:24 When do they happen?
5:00 Emotional Impact
5:54 Causes
7:00 Outlook for future pregnancies
7:15 Treatment

Katie Lee is a certified genetic counselor with over five years of practice in reproductive medicine. She has worked for one of the most well-known IVF clinics in the United States and a genetic testing laboratory that offers fertility related genetic testing. She is currently employed by one of the largest sperm banks in the US. Katie started this YouTube channel to support people going through fertility treatment and miscarriages. On this channel Katie discusses topics in fertility/preconception genetic counseling and her own personal experience with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss.

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. This video is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding medical advice, your condition or treatment.

[chelsealynn]

I am going through this now. I have never felt this pain before. We are broken but I know there will be light at the end of the tunnel. Everyone reading this will go on to have a healthy vibrant baby ❤️

[lindsaymarie]

Going through this right now. What a slap in the face it was to have all symptoms of a healthy pregnancy and then to hear “there is no heartbeat.” Unbelievably shocking and devastating. My heart goes out to anybody who has experienced anything remotely similar. I live in fear of this happening to me again. 😔

[ellefranco]

Went on Friday at 9 weeks for our first scan... The doctor's face said it all... My heart sank I knew something was wrong. 6 weeks no more development yet was fine, unaware and still felt pregnant. This is our first pregnancy and I'm so devastated..feels like my heart was ripped out going from excited telling close family to two days later at ultrasound, sorry I've had a Missed miscarriage. Praying for strength to get through this and for any other woman that is also going through this terrible ordeal. X

[ashleynyssen]

I found this video because I am going through this now and just stuck in limbo knowing my baby is gone but waiting for the hospital to schedule a d&c because my body won't let it go on its own. It's cruel and something I could never have prepared myself for. Your video provided lots of reassurance and understanding for me of what is happening. Thank you 💖

[goneawaytonz]

I had a missed miscarriage that was detected this week at 16 weeks pregnant. Baby stopped developing around 14 weeks and then the heart stopped at some point. He was born on Tuesday. It's been the hardest thing I have ever been through. I'm lucky I already have two amazing children and yet it feels like a part of me is missing.

[basmajalloul]

I lost the baby a week ago I thought I was 12 weeks but at my ultrasound the doctor announced that there was no longer a heart beat! And that the size of the baby has stopped at 9 weeks and 1 day! It was shocking! Because I felt absolutely nothing and at my 8 weeks scan I heard the heartbeat and everything seemed perfect, I was just excited buying baby clothes and everything! I m not sure when to try again! I want to get pregnant again but I’m scared! Please every one keep me in there prayers

[jamesdigriz]

The doctor told us about the missed miscarriage today. 13th week. Heartbroken as a father and as a husband as I can't imagine what my wife feels still carrying the baby and knowing she/he is gone... Now holding the 12th week's scans with the perfectly fine hertbeat.

[wyc]

I found out about my missed carriage yesterday, and everytime I get no distractions I think about my angel baby (which is still inside of me rn)tears just start rolling. Before this, I’ve always feared giving birth, the changes of my body, the pain of conceiving etc, this experience has taught me to embrace my next pregnancy journey more. The doctor will be prescribing the abortion pill next Friday, this still feels so surreal.. my symptoms are still here.. anyway Friday will be our final farewell. Sending love, courage and hope to everyone going through this, take care of yourself, we will be okay again soon. X

[hiejabbal]

Hubby and I (39/38 yrs old) been trying to conceive for years - tried everything from IVF to holistic treatment. I finally conceived naturally in July 2022, but not experienced any other symptoms such as nausea/vomiting just sore breasts and mild cramping.
I found out this week that I had a missed miscarriage at 6wks. 💔 My body still thinks it's pregnant. Still got sore breasts and bloating. Going for medical management at the hospital as soon as possible.
Feel like I'm running out of time as it is, a failure as a woman 😞 but, we're not giving up! God is great 🙏🏾 He will bless us in time 🌻

[elyse]

I really think that the reason miss miscarriages are so shocking and devastating is that other women as a group shroud miscarriage in secrecy and drama. If women knew that it was extremely, extraordinarily common and knew what to expect from the thousands and thousands of other women who have experienced it, the trauma would honestly be greatly reduced.

[rosannaosborne]

I'm going through this right now I go in hospital Monday for medical removal 😢 I was blessed for 11 weeks, absolutely broken

[mintleaf]

I’m going through this stage right now.After trying over 1.5 years then got the news that I’m pregnant for the 1st time.At 6.5 weeks of pregnancy the baby had the heartbeat but at 8.5 weeks there was no heartbeat though I was having all the symptoms of normal pregnancy.It was devastating, I forgot how to react at that news.I’ve gone through DnC today, heartbroken, afraid, helpless to think will I be pregnant again and will I be blessed with a healthy baby?!..I’m 37 which is also one of most concerning factor for me..
All the beautiful mothers who are going through this situation, may Almighty bless you all..give the strength to overcome the stage..
Pray for me ..❤

[ilik]

I’m a nurse practitioner and my colleagues all wanted to see the baby while at work, I scanned myself- I’m the one who caught that my baby’s heartbeat was no longer beating 😔 14week identical twins

[fatimaissa]

This is so helpful! I want to thank you! I am going through this now, and it is very sad. I hope no one ever goes through this pain💔

[tbanks]

We are going through that right now we lost our 13 weeks yesterday i can't stop crying but i have to be strong for my wife

[Darlingdumpling]

Sending love to everyone who has or is going through this. I found out earlier this week I had miscarried at 7/8weeks. Terrible news! We can all get through this though❤

[paulandsarahpemberton]

This is me. Went in at 12 weeks and baby stopped growing at 8. The process is horrible. Taking medication now to start the process. This is the worst pain… physical, mental, emotional.

[annetteopalka]

Thank you for this! I just found out today I had a missed miscarriage 3 days after my last ultrasound 2 weeks ago. Having a d&c in a few days. I am devastated

[annaniven]

Thank you for your video. Going through this right now, when I thought I was 11- 12 weeks pregnant turned out that my baby stopped developing at 6 weeks. 6 weeks of thinking I was pregnant, planning the future, having all the pregnancy symptoms … cruel thing to have experienced

[MrsXx]

Thank you for this video. I had one a couple of months ago & still not over the loss. I saw the gestational sac & yolk at 5 weeks after being told it was low rising HCG & possibly ectopic, everything was well & healthy & told I can relax. I went back at 9 weeks for the scan & that's when they told me the baby had died at 8 weeks & 1 day. The testing came back all clear & told there was nothing that showed a reason for their passing. So terrified it will happen again. Every time my cycle comes I'm reminded I lost something I once had & so desperately wanted. Condolences & I hope you're healing. 🤍