Empty sac at 8 weeks

[Happilymarried155]

I have just been told we have an empty sac and to prepare for miscarriage.

I'm obviously devastated and spent alot of time crying :( I'm now trying to prepare myself for what's to come.

How long does it normally take to miscarry?

I'm so sorry . Are you bleeding/cramping already? If it's a missed miscarriage i.e. your body has not recognised that the pregnancy is not progressing normally, then it can take a long time (weeks) for that process to happen. Once you start a natural miscarriage it's normal to bleed for about 7-10 days, though the worst of it is normally over in a couple of days.
You should have been given some options to consider at this point - expectant management "wait and see if you miscarry naturally" / medical management (taking pills/pessaries to start the process) / surgical management. Many women find the open ended nature of waiting very difficult. More on options on the Miscarriage Association site here and the whole site is very helpful.
You may also find this thread helpful in preparing or making a decision which option you want. I don't think the hospitals often give a realistic idea what a miscarriage can be like.
Lots of us here for whatever hand-holding, practical advice or emotional support you need.

Oh Happily, I am so very sorry for your loss. I am just finishing my first mc and found the 'practicalities of mc' thread below hugely helpful. (sorry don't know how to link).

I had one morning of intense pain and blood a few days ago and very little since. Going back to epau tmrw for another scan. Hoping that's it but have been warned it could all start again.

I have found posting on here really cathartic, with lots of warmth and support. I am sure you will find the same.

Much love xx

I'm going on holiday tommorow so don't really have any choice but to wait for it to happen naturally. I really hope it doesn't take that long :(

Thanks for the other threads I will take a look at them now. X

I'd go prepared with maxi pads, painkillers and chocolate then, just in case, but hope that it holds off until you get back. It wouldn't hurt to get yourself provisionally booked in for medical/surgical management if nothing has happened by the time you return.
Rubbish timing (not that there's a good time)

happilymarried - sorry you're going through this.
I had a similar thing with my 2nd MMC. I was about to go on holiday when I was told the baby had died, and so had no choice but to wait it out. As it turned out, I started naturally miscarrying the first day of the holiday. I thought it would be a disaster having all that going on whilst trying to enjoy our break - but in a weird way it made it easier. I think I was much less miserable than if I'd been stuck at home with it all going on. The holiday atmosphere actually helped. Hope it might be the same for you.
Of course, it made it harder when I came home. It kind of crashed in on me then.

Anyway, the main part of the bleeding (i.e. loads of blood and cramping) lasted about 4 days. I didnt' finish passing blood completely (it got less and less and older and older (i.e. browner and browner - sorry TMI)) until about 3 weeks later.

Like someone else said, just stock up on maxi pads and painkillers before you leave. Maybe a hot water bottle too. And some cheap knickers.

Take care of yourself.
with sympathy. x

Be aware that it can take a while to pass.
I've had a few of these. (Blighted ovum) my first I knew at 7 weeks, didn't miscarry until I was 13 weeks.

I began to bleed at 7 weeks which is how I knew of the problem. The bleeding stopped until 13 weeks.

It's awful, so sorry this is happening to you, my advice is get strong painkillers from your GP as it can be very painful ime.