If you have symptoms of a miscarriage, your GP or hospital may refer you for a blood test or ultrasound scan.
This may be to the early pregnancy assessment unit (EPAU) at the hospital.
If you're less than 6 weeks pregnant, you may not be referred for a scan straight away. This is because it can be hard to confirm a miscarriage this early on.
If you're after 12 weeks, you'll be referred to the maternity unit at the hospital.
Blood tests
If you are in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, you may have blood tests to measure your level of pregnancy hormones.
You usually need 2 blood tests to see if your hormone levels go up or down. You will usually have the second blood test 48 hours after the first.
Ultrasound scan
Most miscarriages are confirmed by an ultrasound scan.
If you are under 12 weeks, you may have your scan at an EPAU. Your GP or hospital will make this referral and arrange the appointment.
It is not always possible to confirm an early miscarriage after 1 scan. You may need to have another, 7 to 14 days later.
For most ultrasound scans, a probe is rubbed gently over your tummy (transabdominal ultrasound).
6 to 12 weeks
If you are between 6 and 12 weeks, you may need to have a transvaginal ultrasound scan.
This means the ultrasound probe is placed gently inside your vagina.
Both types of scans are safe during pregnancy.
12 to 24 weeks
If you are more than 12 weeks pregnant you may have an ultrasound scan to confirm a miscarriage. But this is not always necessary. Your doctors may be able to tell you had a miscarriage. This depends on your symptoms and if you pass fetal tissue.
Pregnancy of uncertain viability
If you are in the very early stages of pregnancy, it can be hard to tell if you have miscarried. The sonographer may identify an embryo in the womb but cannot find a heartbeat. This is called a pregnancy of uncertain viability.
You will need a second ultrasound scan, about 7 to 14 days later.
