Missed abortion is the name given to the situation where the embryo or foetus has died, but the tissue - termed the ‘products of conception’ - has not been expelled from the uterus. It is usually discovered by ultrasound examination of a uterus that is not enlarging in accordance with the dates of gestation, or following an episode of slight vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy. The ultrasound will show the presence of the products of conception, but without a foetal heartbeat. Retained products of conception need surgical removal.