Introduction
Miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates that 10% to 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, while the actual rate is likely higher due to many miscarriages occurring before a woman even realizes she is pregnant.
Although it can be devastating, miscarriage is a common experience. It’s important to understand the signs and symptoms of a possible miscarriage so that you can seek medical care if necessary. In this article, we’ll explore the signs and symptoms of miscarriage and how a doctor can help confirm a diagnosis.
Identifying Common Symptoms
The most common signs of a miscarriage are lower back pain and cramping in the abdominal or pelvic area. These may be similar to the discomfort experienced during a regular menstrual period. Other signs include:
- Vaginal bleeding, which may range from light spotting to heavier than normal menstrual flow
- Fluid or tissue passing from the vagina
- No longer feeling pregnant, such as no longer experiencing nausea or breast tenderness
However, it’s important to remember that some of these symptoms can also be normal during pregnancy. For example, light spotting can occur throughout pregnancy and doesn’t always indicate a miscarriage.
Consulting a Doctor
If you’re concerned about the possibility of a miscarriage, it’s important to speak with your doctor as soon as possible. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and discuss treatment options.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. They may also order tests to help determine the cause of the miscarriage. According to Dr. Charles Ascher-Walsh, director of gynecology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, “An ultrasound can help determine if the fetus is viable, if there is a heartbeat, and if the uterus appears normal.”
Monitoring Fetal Heartbeat
One way to check for a viable pregnancy is by monitoring the fetal heartbeat. A Doppler ultrasound can detect the fetal heartbeat as early as six weeks into the pregnancy. If the heartbeat isn’t detected, it could indicate a non-viable pregnancy.
Sometimes, a fetal heartbeat can be detected but is abnormally slow. This could indicate a potential miscarriage. Your doctor may recommend additional testing to confirm the diagnosis.
Assessing Vaginal Bleeding
It’s important to differentiate between normal vaginal bleeding during pregnancy and bleeding associated with a miscarriage. According to Dr. Ascher-Walsh, “Normal vaginal bleeding during pregnancy can be quite variable, from light spotting to heavier than normal menstrual flow.”
Bleeding associated with a miscarriage is usually more intense than normal vaginal bleeding. It may also be accompanied by clots or tissue passing from the vagina. If you’re experiencing heavy bleeding or passing tissue, seek medical attention immediately.
Detecting Hormonal Changes
Your doctor may order blood tests to measure hormone levels. Progesterone is a hormone produced during pregnancy, and low levels may indicate a problem. Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is another hormone produced during pregnancy. Low HCG levels could indicate a miscarriage.
Dr. Robert Atlas, chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, notes that “blood tests can help detect if the hormones associated with pregnancy are declining, which could indicate a miscarriage.”
Administering Ultrasound Tests
Ultrasound is often used to diagnose a miscarriage. During an ultrasound, sound waves are used to create images of the uterus and any fetus present. An ultrasound can help determine if the fetus is viable and if the uterus appears normal.
Your doctor may order an ultrasound if they suspect a miscarriage. Depending on the results, they may recommend additional testing or treatments.
Taking Blood Tests
Blood tests can help determine if there are other causes of a miscarriage, such as infection or anemia. Infection can increase the risk of miscarriage, so it’s important to be tested for any bacterial or viral infections.
Anemia is a condition where the body does not have enough red blood cells. Low iron levels can lead to anemia and increase the risk of miscarriage. Your doctor may recommend taking an iron supplement or other treatments to help manage anemia.
Conclusion
Miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks. While it can be devastating, it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms of a potential miscarriage. Common signs and symptoms include lower back pain, cramping, and vaginal bleeding. It’s important to speak with your doctor if you’re concerned about the possibility of a miscarriage.
Your doctor can help determine the cause of a miscarriage. They may order tests such as a Doppler ultrasound to monitor the fetal heartbeat, hormone tests to measure progesterone and HCG levels, and an ultrasound to examine the uterus. They may also order blood tests to check for infection and anemia.
If you’re concerned about the possibility of a miscarriage, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis and discuss treatment options.
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