With a (vaginal) ultrasound, we can see whether the pregnancy is (still) intact. An ultrasound does not harm the pregnancy. Sometimes it is still too early to know for sure whether a pregnancy is still young and needs to develop, or whether it is not intact. In such a case, we repeat the ultrasound after one to two weeks.
If it turns out that the pregnancy is not viable, you can do several things.
- Wait for the miscarriage to start naturally. The chance that a miscarriage will start within a week is approximately 50%.
- See the gynecologist for treatment with medication. In early pregnancy, up to approximately 9 weeks, the expulsion of the fetus can be induced with medication.
- Visit the gynecologist for a curettage. This is necessary if the pregnancy does not occur spontaneously and is larger. A curettage may also be necessary if a normal miscarriage results in excessive blood loss.
Do you want to read more about the different options: I am having a miscarriage and choosing between waiting, medication, and surgery | The Gynecologist
Together, we discuss and decide what the best choice is for you.
