missed abortion
Early pregnancy failure where the embryo or fetus dies but is retained in the uterus without symptoms of expulsion.
Full Definition
A missed abortion, also called missed miscarriage or silent miscarriage, occurs when embryonic or fetal death happens but the products of conception are retained in the uterus. Unlike inevitable or incomplete abortion, there is no bleeding, cramping, or cervical dilation. The condition is often discovered during routine ultrasound when no fetal cardiac activity is detected despite appropriate gestational age. Management options include expectant care, medical management with misoprostol, or surgical evacuation. The term 'missed abortion' is being replaced by 'missed miscarriage' in patient-facing communications.
Usage
Usage note: Consider using 'missed miscarriage' in patient communications; clinical notes may use either term.
In Context
- "Ultrasound at 10 weeks revealed a missed abortion with fetal crown-rump length consistent with 7 weeks gestation." — Radiology report
- "The patient opted for surgical management of the missed abortion given the duration since fetal demise." — Treatment decision documentation