Miscarriage is a painful experience that affects many families around the world. While bleeding is often a common symptom of miscarriage, it is not always present. In some cases, a miscarriage can go unnoticed, which is known as a silent or missed miscarriage. In this article, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of a silent miscarriage, how it can trick expecting mothers, and what to do if you suspect a miscarriage.
What Is A Silent Miscarriage
A silent miscarriage occurs when a woman loses her baby before the 20th week of pregnancy, but there are no external signs or symptoms of the loss. It is often detected during a routine prenatal checkup when the fetus appears too small for the stage or the doctor cannot hear the heartbeat.
Symptoms Of A Missed Or Silent Miscarriage
A missed miscarriage can be difficult to detect because there are often no external signs. However, some symptoms may include:
– A sudden decrease in pregnancy symptoms
– A pregnancy test that tests negative
– Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
– Brownish or white-pinkish vaginal discharge
– Severe abdominal pain
– Unexplained weakness
How It Can Trick Expecting Mothers
Miscarriages are common in the early weeks of pregnancy when fetal movement is not prominent. Additionally, pregnancy hormones may still be high in the woman’s system, and she may continue to experience pregnancy symptoms such as breast tenderness and nausea. In some cases, a woman may continue to test positive for pregnancy, making it difficult to detect a missed miscarriage.
How To Detect A Missed Miscarriage
A missed miscarriage is most likely to be detected during a routine prenatal checkup. The doctor may perform an ultrasound and notice that the fetus is not growing as fast as it should be or is too small for the stage. In some cases, the doctor may not hear a heartbeat or see the amniotic sac.
Treatment Options
The stage at which the woman lost the baby, her health status, and personal preference as a patient will determine the treatment options. The three common directions in which treatment may go include:
– Going for natural miscarriage to happen without any medical intervention
– Inducing miscarriage using medicines
– Going for a surgical procedure to remove the deceased fetus.
In conclusion, a silent miscarriage is a painful experience that can go unnoticed. It is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a missed miscarriage and seek medical attention if you suspect a loss. Remember that you are not alone, and there is support available for those who have experienced a miscarriage.
