Late Miscarriage: Complete Guide
A late miscarriage — pregnancy loss between 14 and 24 weeks — is far less common than early miscarriage but no less devastating. If you're here because it's happening or has happened to you, we're sorry, and we hope this guide helps you understand what to expect and where to find support.
What Counts As A Late Miscarriage
In the UK, pregnancy loss is defined by gestational age: loss before 24 weeks is classed as miscarriage, and loss from 24 weeks onwards is classed as stillbirth. A "late" miscarriage specifically refers to loss between 14 and 24 weeks, distinguishing it from the more common early miscarriage that happens before 12–14 weeks.
Possible Causes
Late miscarriage can happen for several reasons, and sometimes no clear cause is ever found, which can be one of the hardest parts to sit with. Recognised causes include:
- Chromosomal or genetic abnormalities in the baby
- Cervical weakness (sometimes called cervical incompetence), where the cervix opens too early
- Infections, including some that affect the womb or waters
- Problems with the placenta, such as it not functioning properly or separating early
- Underlying health conditions, including blood clotting disorders or uncontrolled diabetes
- Structural issues with the womb, such as fibroids or an unusual shape
Your care team may offer tests afterwards to look for a cause, particularly if you've experienced more than one loss, though in many single cases a specific reason isn't identified.
What Happens During A Late Miscarriage
Unlike many early miscarriages, a late miscarriage is usually managed in hospital rather than at home, because you will need to go through a labour-like process to deliver the baby. Depending on your situation, this may involve medication to start labour, and pain relief options similar to those offered in full-term labour, including epidurals if you want one. Staff will talk you through your options and involve you in decisions as much as possible, including whether you'd like to see or hold your baby, and whether you'd like keepsakes such as photographs, footprints, or a lock of hair — there is no right or wrong choice here, and you can take your time deciding.
Support After A Late Miscarriage
- Sands (the stillbirth and neonatal death charity, sands.org.uk) supports families through miscarriage as well as stillbirth and neonatal loss, and offers a helpline and local support groups.
- Your hospital should offer a follow-up appointment to discuss what happened and any test results.
- GP referral for counselling or perinatal mental health support is available and worth asking for, even weeks or months later.
- Partners grieve too, and support services are there for them as well, not just the person who was pregnant.
- There is no "right" amount of time to grieve, and you're entitled to take the time you need, including time off work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a late miscarriage?
A late miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy between 14 and 24 weeks, which is less common than early miscarriage in the first trimester. From 24 weeks onwards, loss is classified as stillbirth rather than miscarriage. Causes vary and can include chromosomal issues, cervical weakness, infection, or placental problems, though a clear cause isn't always found.
What happens during a late miscarriage?
Because the pregnancy is more advanced, a late miscarriage is usually managed in hospital and typically involves a labour-like process to deliver the baby, with pain relief and support offered throughout. You'll be given choices about seeing your baby and keeping mementos if you wish, at your own pace. Staff aim to support you through every decision without pressure either way.
Where can I get support after a late miscarriage?
Sands (sands.org.uk) specialises in supporting families after pregnancy and baby loss, including late miscarriage, and offers a helpline, online community, and local groups. Your GP can also refer you for counselling or perinatal mental health support, which can be accessed at any point, not just immediately afterwards. Partners and other family members can access support too.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
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