What Is an Incomplete Miscarriage, Septic Miscarriage, and Missed Miscarriage?

When your healthcare provider conducts tests to diagnose a miscarriage, they may use specific terms to describe the type of miscarriage that has occurred. What has happened to the tissue during the miscarriage and the potential complications that may result after a miscarriage often determine how it will be categorized. Some common types of miscarriage include incomplete, septic, and missed miscarriages.

Sometimes you may not realize that you have had a miscarriage. This often happens with a missed miscarriage that occurs when the fetus or embryo ceases to develop very early but the body hasn’t stopped producing pregnancy hormones. A missed miscarriage may be diagnosed during an ultrasound, which often reveals an empty amniotic sac, no sac, or a significantly smaller fetus or embryo within the sac. In instances where the sac is empty or is not present, your body may have reabsorbed the embryo. 

When tissue from the pregnancy remains in the uterus, it is typically considered an incomplete miscarriage. Like other miscarriages, you will likely experience bleeding and dilation of the cervix. However, your body might have difficulty fully passing the tissue. It is not uncommon to pass the remaining tissue after diagnosis, which usually means you will not need further treatment or monitoring from your healthcare provider. However, if you are unable to pass the tissue, it can lead to complications such as heavy, prolonged bleeding or infection.

Infections that occur following a miscarriage should be treated promptly since they can rapidly progress from the uterus into the bloodstream and cause septic shock. When sepsis develops due to an infection from the tissue that remains in the uterus after a miscarriage, it is called a septic miscarriage. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. If you experience any of these symptoms after having a miscarriage, you should seek emergency care immediately for further evaluation:

• A fever of 100.4 or higher 
• Chills
• Unusual drowsiness 
• Pelvic pain 
• Tenderness in the uterus 
• Bleeding and cramping for over two weeks  
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge 

It is important to understand that regardless of the terms used to describe the miscarriage, these circumstances are often deeply emotional and can be traumatic. While prioritizing medical care following a miscarriage, it is equally important to emphasize the value of emotional support. Those who have experienced a miscarriage are encouraged to connect with their healthcare provider to explore additional resources to support their emotional and mental well-being. 

Sources 

“Missed Miscarriage: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment”. Very Well Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/missed-miscarriage-symptoms-treatment-and-coping-5189858 

“What to Know About Incomplete Miscarriage”. Parents. https://www.parents.com/incomplete-miscarriage-symptoms-causes-treatment-8645920