A pregnancy loss scan is a medical imaging procedure, typically an ultrasound, that evaluates pregnancy status when viability is a concern. It provides clarity for individuals with symptoms like bleeding or cramping during early pregnancy. The scan determines if the pregnancy is developing as expected or if a loss has occurred.
Purpose and Types of Loss Scans
Loss scans investigate symptoms like vaginal bleeding or abdominal cramping, which can indicate a potential pregnancy issue. They confirm suspected miscarriage or assess early pregnancy viability. Ultrasound technology, using sound waves, is the primary imaging method.
Two main types of ultrasound are used: transvaginal and abdominal. Transvaginal ultrasound involves inserting a small probe into the vagina, providing clearer images of the uterus and surrounding structures, especially in early pregnancy (often before 11 weeks). Abdominal ultrasound moves a transducer over the abdomen; it is less invasive but offers less clarity in very early stages due to small gestational sac or embryo size. Healthcare providers select the appropriate method based on gestational age and diagnostic needs.
What to Expect During the Scan
During a pregnancy loss scan, individuals lie on an examination table. For a transabdominal ultrasound, gel is applied to the lower abdomen, and a handheld transducer moves across the skin. If a transvaginal ultrasound is necessary, a thin, lubricated probe, covered with a protective sheath, is gently inserted into the vagina.
The transvaginal procedure may cause pressure, similar to a routine pelvic exam, but is generally not painful. The scan is usually brief, lasting 15 to 30 minutes, as the sonographer captures images of the uterus and its contents. Individuals may need a full or empty bladder, depending on the scan type, to optimize image quality.
Understanding Scan Findings
Medical professionals analyze various indicators during a loss scan to determine the pregnancy’s status. The absence of a fetal heartbeat when expected is a significant finding. For instance, a transvaginal ultrasound showing an embryo with a crown-rump length (CRL) of 7 millimeters or more without a visible heartbeat indicates pregnancy loss. A gestational sac measuring 25 millimeters or more in mean diameter without a visible embryo also points to a non-viable pregnancy.
An empty gestational sac, also called an anembryonic pregnancy or blighted ovum, is another finding, where a sac forms but no embryo develops. In some cases, the fetal pole may be smaller than anticipated for the gestational age, or the gestational sac may be abnormally sized.
Scan results can sometimes be inconclusive, meaning a definitive diagnosis is not immediately possible. This occurs if it’s too early to visualize structures clearly, or if there’s a “pregnancy of unknown location” (PUL) where a positive test exists but the pregnancy’s location isn’t confirmed by ultrasound. In such cases, a follow-up scan (usually within 7 to 14 days) and additional blood tests to monitor hormone levels are recommended for a conclusive diagnosis.
After the Scan: Next Steps
After a pregnancy loss scan, the healthcare provider discusses findings and their implications. This consultation helps understand the outcome and plan subsequent care.
If pregnancy loss is confirmed, individuals may choose expectant management, allowing the body to naturally pass tissue. Medication can facilitate this process, or surgical procedures like dilation and curettage (D&C) may remove remaining tissue. Management choice is personal, made in discussion with the medical team. Follow-up care ensures physical well-being and provides support after a pregnancy loss.