WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Diagnosis and Confirming Miscarriage

Diagnosing Miscarriage: Understanding the Process
If you're experiencing signs of a potential miscarriage, such as vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping, seeking medical attention promptly is crucial. A healthcare provider will conduct a series of tests to determine the nature of the situation.
Standard Diagnostic Tests for Miscarriage
  • Quantitative hCG Blood Test: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced during pregnancy. It becomes detectable about a week after ovulation when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. In early pregnancy, hCG levels typically double every two to three days. When they don't increase as expected, it may indicate a miscarriage. Falling hCG levels often signal a problem. Doctors generally require at least two hCG levels taken at least two days apart for a definitive diagnosis.
  • Ultrasound Scans: Ultrasound machines use sound waves to create images of the fetus and gestational sac. Early in pregnancy, transvaginal ultrasounds (inserted into the vagina) are often used. An ultrasound can diagnose a miscarriage if there are visible abnormalities or developmental issues with the gestational sac, if a previously observed fetal heartbeat is absent, or if the embryo lacks a heartbeat when larger than 5 millimeters. However, ultrasound interpretations can sometimes be subjective and can vary based on factors like ovulation timing.
  • Fetal Heart Rate Monitors: Fetal heart rate monitors, also known as fetal dopplers, are handheld ultrasound devices that detect your baby's heartbeat through your abdomen. The heartbeat usually becomes audible between the seventh and 12th week of pregnancy. While the absence of a heartbeat might not definitively indicate a miscarriage in early pregnancy, it becomes a stronger indicator after 12 weeks.
  • Pelvic Examination: A pelvic exam might be performed to assess whether the cervix is dilating. A dilated cervix often suggests a miscarriage. If there's spotting or light vaginal bleeding without cervical dilation, it may indicate a threatened miscarriage, which means the pregnancy is still viable. Additionally, a pelvic exam can identify an ectopic pregnancy, where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies are nonviable and can become a medical emergency if untreated.
Recognizing the Importance of Early Diagnosis
Experiencing vaginal bleeding and cramping during pregnancy doesn't necessarily mean you're miscarrying. However, it's crucial not to ignore these symptoms. Regardless of the cause, it's best to seek medical attention sooner rather than later. Early diagnosis helps minimize complications and ensures appropriate care.
Remember that many cases of vaginal bleeding and cramping do not result in a miscarriage, and most women and their babies emerge from these situations unharmed. Proper medical assessment will provide clarity and guidance in managing your unique situation.
All you need to know
A
Allie
24 Jan 2024

So last night went to the hospital having some pain and swelling in right pelvic area. Thought it was ectopic but baby was fine and where it’s supposed to be. Found out I’m actually 7 weeks not 6. But they found blood in my urine diagnosis was threatened miscarriage. My ob can’t get me in til Friday and I’m freaking out! I don’t see blood nor am I spotting. Just the pain in swelling. Anyone else experience this?

1 comments
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starla
You could just have a uti or bladder infection sending positive vibes to you 🙏❤️
27 Mar 2024

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Toya
16 Dec 2023

So I started spotting yesterday morning , went to the er they check on baby and baby was doing good strong hr and still busy moving around. I just been feeling like something is wrong since my diagnosis is a threatening miscarriage. I go see my doctor Monday. #worried

9 comments
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Nicole
I hope it’s nothing serious momma ❤️ all prayers
27 Mar 2024

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Michelle Tyler
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
27 Mar 2024

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Yaminah Whitted
3 Dec 2023

So I had some spotting on Friday, I could not shake the anxiety and paranoia that I was having a miscarriage or that I was going to go to my next appointment and have a missed miscarriage. I had a miscarriage December 2022 and found out I was pregnant again October 2023. So me being the anxious person I am I found an ultrasound place near me that does same day appointments and I heard my babies heartbeat and they’re measuring 11 weeks and 4 days 🥹 Stay hopeful ladies! Spotting isn’t always miscarriage ik it’s nerve racking especially if you’ve had a prev miscarriage.

2 comments
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Robin
I too am having concerns that I’ll have a missed miscarriage… and I don’t want to stress, I’d have to go to the hospital which is 20 minutes away since there’s no urgent cares near me
27 Mar 2024

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Yaminah Whitted
I just googled ultrasound places near me and this one came up and it was $29 for 2 pictures and to hear the heart beat. I’m sure they have some close to you too. I know how stressful it can be just try not to worry. 🙏🏽
27 Mar 2024

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Holly
17 Sep 2023

I'm waiting on my insurance to kick in,found out I was pregnant last week and went a clinic for proof of pregnancy. According to that Dr. I was 5 weeks and 3 days. I went to ER last night due to vaginal bleeding and severe stomach pains. Ultrasound was done (both vag and stomach). Dr said I'm 6 weeks and she seen a heartbeat but couldn't tell me anything else. The end diagnosis is Threatening miscarriage. This is the results from the ultrasound.. I've had 2 miscarriages before, I did tell my two kids (age 11 and 4) about the pregnancy when they got home from school and they were so happy!! Any success stories on threatening miscarriages?

7 comments
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Keytwice
anyone that is early and bleeding the ER will say threatn miscarriage thats why its best to go to your doctor
27 Mar 2024

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Khadijah
I was told the same thing around 10 weeks. It turned out to be a subchorionic hematoma I just rested and kept hydrated. Everything ended up turning around until I started preterm labor at 32 weeks, they were able to stop it. I gave birth to a healthy girl at 38 weeks 1 day in August.
27 Mar 2024

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Dash
9 Jul 2023

Went today to get the B-hCG Quant to see if the numbers were doubling or going down and the numbers have gone down. The diagnosis is miscarriage 😢 Still have bleeding with no pain or cramps.. Has anyone had the numbers go back up after going down?

5 comments
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Arnetia
Dash, Did they say what is causing your miscarriage or why your numbers are dropping?
27 Mar 2024

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Dash
Hi, Arnetia. No. They diagnosed it as a miscarriage today after the lab results of the numbers dropping, and never diagnosed the cause of bleeding.
27 Mar 2024

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Hailey
17 Jun 2023

Had my ultrasound today confirming she is indeed a girl! She is doing great measuring great and her heart rate is perfect, but they found a blood clot in the placenta Dr. Said not to worry because baby’s healthy and doing good but it does increase the risk of miscarriage by 10%. Of corse I’ve made myself worry more by looking it up and seeing it can restrict oxygen and other issues. I have an appointment on the 14th next month for another ultrasound to make sure it’s shrinking as it should I’m trying not to worry but 4 weeks is a long time to just not know.

3 comments
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Latiesha
I hope everything goes well congratulations on the baby girl 💕
27 Mar 2024

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Hailey
Thank you so much 🙏
27 Mar 2024

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Myracle
27 Feb 2023

My second trimester started off scary..On the 25th woke up bleeding like it was a lot thought I peed on myself however no cloths no pain .. went to the hospital and they said my Cervix closed, did a ultrasound my baby was perfectly fine ..and the bleeding stopped once I left but I’m still worried has this happened to anyone ? And what caused it nd diagnosis was a threatened miscarriage even tho they said they positive I’m not miscarrying

2 comments
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🌼Angel🌼
Yup it’s called sub chorionic hemorhage, I bled a little went to the hospital and before I could leave the bleeding had stopped
27 Mar 2024

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Samara
I had this at 5 weeks and at 8 weeks. Baby was fine. They legit only told me it was a threatened miscarriage. Baby was born extremely early and idk if the threatened miscarriage had anything to do with it or not (probably not because other people have had it and had full term pregnancies)
27 Mar 2024

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Sariah
10 Dec 2022

I just wanna give a testimony and word of advice. Early this morning I reported a “miscarriage” to the group. The bad bleeding and pain I had experienced was that of a subchorionic hematoma. Nothing like I’ve ever seen before. I am still in pain. However, after going to the ER. I learned that my baby was okay had a strong heart beat and I should remain from intercourse for the time being. I had lost all faith prior to my diagnosis but God ! Try to be careful .. be strong.. and remain positive 🤍

16 comments
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Randi
Im sorry you had to go through that but that’s amazing news about your baby!!! I’m so happy for you 🥲
27 Mar 2024

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Makayla
Baby girl BUT GOD !! Seen your previous post and trust me with my past miscarriage is made me scared but this and God will always give hope! Definitely have been praying for you today! So happy for you that everything is okay and baby is healthy!!
27 Mar 2024

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Samantha
15 Aug 2022

Anybody else currently in the waiting game with a possible Missed miscarriage diagnosis?

2 comments
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Giovanni
I’m in the same boat with you praying for a healthy pregnancy for the both of us 🙏🏼💚
27 Mar 2024

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India
28 May 2022

I know my body and I knew I was pregnant earlier this month, but decided not to focus on it once I started bleeding. Doctor ended up confirming it as well as yet another miscarriage but this time with something on my uterine lining. The heartbreak is a numb feeling at this point. We have to get testing done now, I have to go back for an ultrasound in 6 weeks and we are now officially on a break from trying since I've had 3 back to back miscarriages. Time to heal my body and my mind, and prepare myself for Fall 2022. We will have a new baby by 2023 I'm claiming it!

2 comments
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Megan
So sorry you're going through this. Take care of you for now. God will take care of the rest.
27 Mar 2024

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India
thanks😊🙏🏽
27 Mar 2024

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