A late miscarriage is any spontaneous loss of pregnancy that occurs from the 14th week through the 24th week of pregnancy, according to BabyCenter.com. If a late miscarriage is treated before dilation occurs, it is classified as a threatened miscarriage. A threatened miscarriage is a miscarriage that hasn't resulted in cervical dilation and may end with a live birth. As such, any signs of a late miscarriage should be treated as an emergency.
Vaginal Bleeding
Heavy vaginal bleeding is a sign of late miscarriage. While the bleeding may come and go, it is more common for the bleeding to be constant and heavy. Oftentimes, you will soak through an overnight maxi pad within an hour. Large blood clots may be present.
Ruptured Membranes
Much like a woman in labor, your water may break when you are having a late miscarriage. You will notice a gush of clear or pinkish colored fluid from your vagina. You may also notice pinkish-gray matter being passed, which should be collected in a clean container and brought to the hospital with you.
Pain
Pelvic pain, lower back pain and abdominal pain are all signs of a late miscarriage. In some cases, a woman who is having a late miscarriage will experience contractions just like a woman in labor. However, in some cases, the pain is constant and feels much like pressure.
Absent Heart Beat
According to Baby Center, some late miscarriages aren't noticed until a visit to the doctor reveals the absence of a fetal heart beat. In this case, you may opt to have labor induced immediately to deliver the fetus or stillbirth. However, some people may opt to wait a few days to see if labor starts spontaneously. The exact course of action in this case should be discussed thoroughly with your doctor with the mother's health and safety in mind.
