How can we Diagnose Miscarriage?
In cases where the doctor suspects a miscarriage-
- Abdominal or vaginal ultrasound is done to check the baby's development, heartbeat and amount of bleeding.
- Pelvic examination- To look for signs of cervix dilatation (open cervix) or effacement (thinning of the cervix).
Most doctors will not advice initiating an extensive medical evaluation for a single pregnancy loss. For women with recurrent pregnancy loss, an evaluation will focus on the pattern and history of the prior miscarriages.
Blood testing can be done to identify chromosomal abnormalities in the couple that could be transmitted to the fetus. The couple can appear completely normal but still carry chromosomal defects, which, when combined, can be lethal to the embryo. The blood can also be tested for hormone levels to assess the degree to which hormone imbalance had caused an abortion. Blood samples can also be tested for the antibodies that interfere with implantation and growth of the fertilized egg.
Some diagnostic procedures used to evaluate the cause of repeated miscarriage include-
- Endometrial biopsy (microscopic study of the tissue from the lining of the uterus)
- Hysterosalpingogram (X-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes)
- Hysteroscopy (study of the uterus)
