Question 1

What is Miscarriage?

Accepted Answer

Miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation, affecting 10-20% of known pregnancies. Low progesterone levels are a common hormonal cause that prevents the uterine lining from properly supporting embryo development. The Progesterone blood test is the most important test for assessing hormonal factors that contribute to miscarriage risk.

Question 2

What causes miscarriage?

Accepted Answer

Miscarriage is caused by chromosomal abnormalities in about 50-70% of cases, where the embryo develops with genetic errors incompatible with life. Hormonal imbalances, particularly low progesterone levels produced by the corpus luteum, can prevent the uterine lining from adequately supporting the pregnancy. Other causes include uterine structural problems, maternal health conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or thyroid disorders, immune system issues, and severe infections that affect the developing pregnancy.

Question 3

What is the best test for miscarriage?

Accepted Answer

The Progesterone blood test is the most important test for assessing miscarriage risk because it measures the hormone essential for maintaining the uterine lining and supporting early pregnancy. Progesterone levels below 10 ng/mL in early pregnancy indicate insufficient hormonal support, which can lead to pregnancy loss. This test helps healthcare providers identify women who might benefit from progesterone supplementation and understand whether hormonal factors are contributing to recurrent pregnancy loss. While ultrasound confirms miscarriage diagnosis, progesterone testing provides critical insight into preventable hormonal causes.

Question 4

When should I get tested for miscarriage?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience vaginal bleeding or spotting during pregnancy, especially when accompanied by cramping or pelvic pain. Women with a history of recurrent miscarriages (two or more pregnancy losses) should get progesterone testing in early pregnancy to identify treatable hormonal deficiencies. Testing is also important if you notice pregnancy symptoms suddenly disappearing, have been diagnosed with luteal phase defect, or are planning pregnancy after previous losses to establish baseline hormone levels.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of miscarriage?

Accepted Answer

Miscarriage symptoms include vaginal bleeding that ranges from light spotting to heavy bleeding with clots, often accompanied by cramping or abdominal pain that feels like menstrual cramps. You might notice the sudden disappearance of pregnancy symptoms like breast tenderness and nausea, along with passing tissue or clot-like material from the vagina. Some women experience back pain, weakness, or fever, though early miscarriages can sometimes occur with minimal symptoms, detected only during ultrasound examination.

Question 6

Who is at risk for miscarriage?

Accepted Answer

Women over age 35 face increased miscarriage risk, with rates rising to 20% by age 35 and over 40% after age 40 due to chromosomal abnormalities in eggs. Those with a history of two or more previous miscarriages, chronic health conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders, uterine abnormalities, or polycystic ovary syndrome have higher risk. Lifestyle factors including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, obesity, and exposure to environmental toxins also increase the likelihood of pregnancy loss.

Question 7

What happens if miscarriage is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Incomplete miscarriage, where pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus, can lead to severe complications including heavy bleeding, life-threatening hemorrhage, and infection of the uterine lining called endometritis. Retained tissue can cause fever, foul-smelling discharge, prolonged bleeding, and in severe cases, sepsis requiring emergency medical intervention. Without proper monitoring and treatment, complications can affect future fertility and cause scarring of the uterus, making it crucial to receive medical care for proper management and emotional support during pregnancy loss.

Question 8

Can miscarriage be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests alone cannot definitively diagnose miscarriage, but they provide essential information about pregnancy viability and hormonal support. Serial measurements of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) that fail to double every 48-72 hours in early pregnancy suggest potential miscarriage, while progesterone levels below 10 ng/mL indicate inadequate hormonal support. Diagnosis requires combining blood test results with ultrasound imaging to visualize the pregnancy and confirm whether the embryo has a heartbeat or if pregnancy tissue is still present in the uterus.

Question 9

How is miscarriage treated?

Accepted Answer

Miscarriage treatment depends on whether the pregnancy tissue passes completely on its own, with expectant management allowing natural passage over 1-2 weeks while monitoring for complications. Medical management uses medications like misoprostol to help the uterus expel remaining tissue, while surgical treatment through dilation and curettage (D&C) removes tissue immediately when bleeding is heavy or infection risk is high. Women with low progesterone in early pregnancy may receive progesterone supplementation to prevent miscarriage, and emotional support including counseling is an important component of comprehensive care following pregnancy loss.

Question 10

How can I prevent miscarriage?

Accepted Answer

While many miscarriages caused by chromosomal abnormalities cannot be prevented, maintaining optimal health before and during pregnancy reduces preventable risks. Take prenatal vitamins with folic acid starting before conception, manage chronic conditions like diabetes and thyroid disease, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs. Progesterone supplementation may prevent miscarriage in women with documented deficiency, and limiting caffeine intake to less than 200mg daily can help. Reduce exposure to environmental toxins and infections, and seek early prenatal care to monitor pregnancy health and address concerns promptly.

Question 11

What can I do at home after miscarriage?

Accepted Answer

After miscarriage, rest as much as possible and use sanitary pads rather than tampons to monitor bleeding while reducing infection risk. Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen for cramping, apply a heating pad to your abdomen for comfort, and stay well-hydrated. Avoid sexual intercourse, douching, and strenuous exercise for at least two weeks or until bleeding stops. Allow yourself time to grieve emotionally, seek support from loved ones or support groups, and contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience fever, severe pain, heavy bleeding soaking through more than two pads per hour, or foul-smelling discharge.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Miscarriage Blood Test

What is Miscarriage?

What causes miscarriage?

What is the best test for miscarriage?

When should I get tested for miscarriage?

References

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