Retention of a fetus that has died in the uterus. A missed abortion may have no signs or may be characterized by the absence of a fetal heart-beat, or a uterus that is hard, not growing, or decreasing in size. If a fetal heartbeat is not detected, an ultrasound is performed to confirm whether the fetus has died. Once the death of the fetus is confirmed, the woman and her physician will decide whether to wait and see if a spontaneous abortion will occur or whether to induce labor.
Abortion in which the fetus has died before completion of the 20th week of gestation but the products of conception are retained in the uterus for 8 weeks or longer.
An abortion where the fetus has passed away but has not been expelled from the body within a two-week period.