Pregnancy Loss and Diagnostic Ultrasound: Compassionate Care in Difficult Times

Written by Kristy Beard, MSN, APRN, FNP-C — Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Elevate Health and Wellness, serving patients across the Gulf Coast in Gautier, MS and Foley, AL.

How Common Is Early Pregnancy Loss?

Pregnancy loss — the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks — is far more common than most people realize. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates that approximately 10% to 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, with the majority occurring in the first trimester. When biochemical pregnancies (very early losses before an ultrasound can confirm a viable pregnancy) are included, the total rate of pregnancy loss is likely higher. Despite its prevalence, miscarriage is still surrounded by stigma and silence that leaves many patients feeling isolated in their grief.

The Role of Ultrasound in Evaluating Pregnancy Loss

Diagnostic ultrasound plays a critical role in evaluating suspected pregnancy loss — both to confirm what has happened and to determine whether medical or surgical management is needed. Ultrasound can identify a missed miscarriage (in which the embryo has stopped developing but the pregnancy has not yet passed), an incomplete miscarriage (in which some but not all pregnancy tissue has passed), an ectopic pregnancy (a life-threatening condition in which the pregnancy implants outside the uterus), and a blighted ovum (in which a gestational sac develops but no embryo forms within it).

What a Pregnancy Loss Evaluation at Elevate Includes

At Elevate Health and Wellness, Kristy Beard, MSN, APRN, FNP-C provides a compassionate, clinically thorough evaluation for patients experiencing suspected pregnancy loss. This includes a detailed review of symptoms and pregnancy history, a transvaginal or transabdominal ultrasound to evaluate the uterine contents and confirm the clinical picture, quantitative beta-hCG blood testing to assess pregnancy hormone trends, and a thorough discussion of findings, management options, and next steps — in a private, unhurried setting where questions are welcomed and grief is acknowledged.

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: When to Investigate Further

Two or more consecutive pregnancy losses warrant a more comprehensive evaluation. Kristy may recommend testing for hormonal factors including progesterone deficiency and thyroid dysfunction, thrombophilia (clotting disorders including MTHFR mutation and antiphospholipid syndrome), uterine structural abnormalities detectable on ultrasound, chromosomal factors, and immunological causes. Many cases of recurrent pregnancy loss have identifiable and treatable causes — and identifying them is the first step toward a successful future pregnancy.

Navigating a pregnancy loss or concerned about recurrent losses? Learn about our early pregnancy and loss care services at Elevate in Gautier, MS and Foley, AL.

Sources: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Early Pregnancy Loss. acog.org. | March of Dimes. Miscarriage. marchofdimes.org.

This article is written by Kristy Beard, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and founder of Elevate Health and Wellness. Information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider for personalized care.