A number of tests can confirm whether your pregnancy has ended and you have had a miscarriage. The tests can also confirm whether:

• you have had an incomplete miscarriage, where there is still some feotal tissue left in your womb, or
• you have had a complete miscarriage, where all the foetal tissue has been passed out of your womb.

The tests include:

• blood and urine tests, which can be used to measure a hormone associated with pregnancy called beta hCG,
• ultrasound, and
• a pelvic examination.

Recurrent miscarriages

If you have had recurrent miscarriages (three or more miscarriages in a row), further tests can check if there is an underlying cause. However, some of these tests can only be used if you become pregnant again. These further tests are outlined below.

Karyotyping

If you have had recurrent miscarriages, you and your partner can be tested for abnormalities in your chromosomes that could be causing the problem. This is known as karyotyping.

If karyotyping detects problems with your or your partner’s chromosomes, you can be referred to a clinical geneticist (gene expert). They will be able to explain what the chances of you having a successful pregnancy in the future are and whether there are any fertility treatments, such as IVF, that you could try. This type of advice is known as genetic counselling.

Pelvic ultrasound

A pelvic ultrasound can be used to check the structure of your womb for any abnormalities. The procedure involves using an ultrasound scanner to study your lower abdomen and pelvis.

Vaginal ultrasound

A vaginal ultrasound can check if you have a weakened cervix. This test can usually only be carried out if you become pregnant again.

A vaginal ultrasound is similar to a pelvic ultrasound but in this procedure a small piece of equipment, known as a transducer, is inserted into your vagina. This produces more detailed scan of your cervix. The procedure can feel a little uncomfortable but is not painful.

Blood testing

Your blood can be checked to see whether you have high levels of the hormone prolactin and/or the antiphospholipid (aPL) antibody. Testing for prolactin can only be done if you become pregnant again.