Missed miscarriage — when will bleeding start?

A missed miscarriage is where the pregnancy has stopped developing but the body has not yet recognised it. There may be no bleeding, no pain, and no loss of symptoms — which is why it is often found unexpectedly at a scan, and why it can be so disorienting. There is no predictable timeline. Natural bleeding may begin within days, may take several weeks, or may not start on its own. You have three options, and they are all reasonable: waiting for it to happen naturally, medication to bring it on, or a surgical procedure to empty the uterus. Success rates, timing, bleeding and recovery differ between them, and there is no single right answer — it depends on how much certainty and control you want, how you feel about a procedure, and practical considerations. Before deciding, most units confirm the diagnosis on a second scan, usually a week apart, since dating can be uncertain. Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, fever, or severe pain. You do not have to decide immediately. Ask for time and for the options explained properly.